Cascade Folk Trio

{ the group }

Cascade Folk Trio represents the collaboration of three of Armenian music’s most talented vocalists, Arman Aghajanyan, Ohanna Mtghyan and Armen Papikyan. Already acclaimed individually as artists, their union has resulted in the creation of one of the most popular musical groups in today’s worldwide Armenian Diaspora. The trio, based in New York and Los Angeles, has created a musical force whose chemistry, stage presence, unique image and fresh interpretation of Armenian music have not previously been witnessed in the music world.

In 1999, Aghajanyan, Mtghyan and Papikyan joined forces in New York City to form the Trio. They named themselves after their favorite district in their hometown of Yerevan –– Cascade. While Cascade Folk Trio’s music can be categorized as folk, all three members have been formally trained in popular and jazz music at Yerevan’s College of Jazz and Pop Music. The growth of interest in their more traditional roots began while living in New York. Although receiving inspiration from all the diverse rhythms, melodies and beats of the City, the group found relief for their homesickness through Armenian music. As a result of these two inspirations, Cascade created a unique sound that utilized Jazz, Latin, R&B and Soul Music to illuminate their native Armenian Folk. In essence, they’ve brought the melodies of their beloved Armenia and set them to the rhythms of the City.

{ the creative process }

The trio considers its creative process a collaboration among equals. Based on their overall chemistry and individual talents, each member possesses his/her own distinct role. Most of Cascade Folk Trio’s music is created by Arman Aghajanyan. Lyrics are written by Ohanna Mtghyan and vocal arrangement is designed by Armen Papikyan.

{ the new recording }

The group’s debut CD, “Cascade,” was released in March 2001 to wide acclaim. Its second album, “Old Street,” was released in September 2003.

Cascade Folk Trio’s second CD, “Old Street,” showcases the group’s extraordinary talents as singers, songwriters and vocal arrangers. They have brought together some of the best musicians and music arrangers in the US and Armenia to make this recording.

This CD breathes new life into an already rich vocal tradition of Armenian music by weaving folk, pop and jazz elements into an elegant tapestry of sound.

Includes nine original songs, a special music video formatted for play in all computers, a 12-panel booklet, full lyrics in Armenian, and partial lyrics in English.

{ the members }

While still a student at Yerevan’s College of Jazz and Pop Music, Ohanna Mtghyan began to sing professionally in a more traditional Armenian genre of music, touring throughout Armenia, Europe, the United States and Australia. In her ten-year career before Cascade, Ohanna earned international recognition as one of Armenian music’s most talented female voices. While experience may be one attribute of Ohanna’s contribution to Cascade Folk Trio, her incredibly powerful voice has defined the songs of the group while captivating audiences.

Arman Aghajanyan and Armen Papikyan continued their careers in jazz and popular music after graduating from the College of Jazz and Pop Music in Armenia. Papikyan, taking on a more R&B line, developed a successful singing career in Yerevan’s most popular nightclubs. After establishing a reputation as one of Yerevan nightlife’s main attractions, Papikyan was invited to become part of Armenia’s State Theater of Song in 1996 –– the most prestigious contemporary musical troupe in Armenia –– joining Aghajanyan who had become a member of the troupe months before. During this time Papikyan also began working on the production side of the recording process, collaborating with fellow artists as a vocal arranger.

While Aghajanyan had also frequented the club circuit in Yerevan as a pop singer, his acclaim largely came as a member of the State Theater of Song. Aghajanyan, who also received degrees in acting and film direction, excelled in the group’s theatrical atmosphere. Best known for his Latin and Jazz performances, he has brought these influences to the music of Cascade Folk Trio.

Aghajanyan also films and directs all of the group’s music videos.