Armen & Mariam

Russia isn’t exactly the first nation one would think of when listing countries with a strong Jazz scene. But after listing to the ensemble gathered together by founder, composer, and keyboardist Armen Merabov, Russia has at least one great representative supporting it’s Jazz scene. In 1998, after gathering together the talents of Denis Prushinsky (sax and flute), Oleg Shuntsov (drums), and Anton Davidson (bass) the group was completed with the fittingly somber vocals of Mariam. Miraif soon started hitting the stage performing to the delight of many new fans and Jazz connoisseurs. Since then Miraif has appeared in various jazz large concerts like the Window to Europe, Mega Jazz Master 2004, and LUXURY- Space of Jazz festivals. Now, their second CD Intelligent Enterprise is slowly making it’s presence known in America by covering many famous Jazz classics of the past.

The opening track, “Lover Man”, sets a mood so gloomy that it seeps deep into your bones during the most miserable of times. It feels like a companion to heavy nighttime rain falling from the engulfing darkness of an ink black sky. This is followed up to an even more tragic piece, the piano-driven cover of the classic “My Funny Valentine”, and then George Gershwin’s “Mad About The Boy” . During these slowly dripping legacies to lost love and solitude, Mariam’s deep vocals masterfully frame the sadness projected by the accompanying instruments. The bass oozes syrupy rhythms that stick the fragile piano pieces and delicate flute in perfect harmony. Their rendition of “Cry Me A River” isn’t terribly uplifting, but tantalizing with it’s sultry offerings. Towards the end of the album the mood lightens and Miraif picks up the tempo to show that they (and you) are capable of enjoying the zest that Jazz can offer. The song “So Easy”, one of Merabov’s original compositions, demands the listener to snap their fingers while it gingerly bounces on a bright piano.

Perfect for sipping wine in solitude while contemplating the big and little dramas of tumultuous love, Miraif has dedicated themselves to the fine craftsmanship of heart-wrenching music. Poignant and strong while remaining soft and reserved, Intelligent Enterprise will whisk away even the heaviest of hearts for a deserving period of sweet convalescence.

- Jacob Richardson(www.evolutionofmedia.com)