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J's search for his identity as an artist, and as an individual, started simultaneously. Born Armen J. Meschian in 1973 as the son of the great Armenian composer and poet Arthur Meschian, he developed an ear for music at an early age. Musical ability came to him naturally. Finding his musical direction, however, would prove to be a challenge. Living behind the iron curtain in the former Soviet Republic of Armenia, J's exposure to music was limited. His move to the United States in 1989 helped him break those boundaries. J gained exposure to a large library of music upon his arrival in Boston, and he embraced it all. He studied guitar with Robin Stone, professor at Berklee College of Music, and slowly began to realize his potential.
To avoid any possible future association with his renowned father, he dropped his last name and made his musical debut at the age of 18 under the assumed name “J. Armen” as lead guitarist of the Boston-based band, “Bones Inc.” One year later, in 1993, J emerged as a singer/songwriter and co-founded the band “Medicine Hat”. The band independently released a full-length album titled “Unsolicited” in 1995, and followed up with an East Coast tour to promote it. The band enjoyed a successful five-year run, receiving favorable reviews from both fans and the media. Prior to splitting up in 1998, Medicine Hat was credited with their contribution to a compilation CD titled, “Longfellow Sound Volume I.”
J's move to New York City in the summer of 1998 proved to be an unexpected jolt to his musical career. Inspired by New York Latin Jazz, Blues and Folk artists, he spent a year writing new music and the following summer embarked on a tour to Yerevan, Armenia, accompanied by prominent local guitarist and singer/songwriter, Vahan Artsruni. The tour received acclaim from both local and national media. J wrapped up the tour with a live concert televised by “A1+” TV Network. The Armenia tour solidified J's identity as a solo artist and set course for his next undertaking.
J entered Crystal Digital Studios in November of 2001 to begin work on his first solo album. Through close collaboration with engineer/producer David Schwartz, the project came to completion in the summer of 2003. Its title – “Plan B”. It features musical prodigy, drummer Josh Dion; virtuoso bassist Pete Mora; Latin Jazz veterans, percussionist Wilson Chembo Corniel and trumpeter John Walsh; J's close friend, guitarist Vahan Artsruni; vocalists: Anoush Barclay, Hasmig Meikhanedjian, Nanor Misserlian, and Yeraz Markarian.
J's other credits include:
Guitar on Arthur Meschian's album, “The Monologue of a Crazed Violinist”
Composer of the musical score for the drama, “Mirrors”
Producer of the Armenian A Cappella Trio, “Zulal” |
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...it was one of the best albums I'd heard this year. 'Plan B' really is a beautiful album, and I can't recommend it highly enough.
- Ruth McNerlan
LIQUID DARKNESS
...he has far too much of a gift for melody and a way of getting inside your soul the way he uses his voice, and his extensive musical background prior to his solo career definitely shows...
- Nick Karn
MUSIC JUNKIES ANONYMOUS
...Song after song brings sultry beats, dreamy chords, melodies you can drift away on, and that warm voice...
- Jennifer Layton
INDIE-MUSIC.COM
...smooth...has a lot of drive and commercial appeal...
- The Music Review
...His voice is expressive and yet intimate. His solo guitar playing is soulful and is reminiscent of Carlos Santana's acoustic work... J. Armen is a talented singer/songwriter and guitarist, who's album “Plan B” I highly recommend.
- Henk te Veldhuis
BRIDGE GUITAR REVIEWS
...he can really pick a guitar. His lead style brushes against the blues, but it's got a lot more Santana flavor, and laid against his jazzy chording, is really pleasant...
- Steve Knowlton
ANGELFIRE.COM
...approach of Armen has a soothing, penetrating quality...
- Bill Ribas
NY ROCK
...The sonic quality on this CD is first rate and the overall smoothness of "Plan B" is a refreshing and welcome change in the music industry. I give this CD my highest rating...
- Raffi Meneshian
CEO POMEGRANATE MUSIC
...From 1 to 10 the CD is a perfect 10. Brilliantly done J.! ...when someone has as much talent as he does you'd have to be deaf to give him anything else!..
- Brandon Dilks
STATEOFMUSIC.COM |
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| Date |
Venue/Club |
Location |
| May 14, 2004 |
CUTTING ROOM |
NEW YORK NY, USA |
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Location:
Not Entered
J. ARMEN Website
amaf@att.net
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