vahagni
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vahagni

Burbank, California, United States

Burbank, California, United States
Band World Latin

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This band has not uploaded any videos
This band has not uploaded any videos

Music

Press


"Crisp, clean, and atmospheric, the material put a fresh spin on flamenco"

Turgutyan and his band, inspired the
strange sense that the flamenco guitar
might’ve well been invented somewhere
in the Armenian highlands. Turgutyan,
a virtuoso guitarist trained in Spain,
also demonstrated that Armenian music
and jazz can coexist seamlessly.
In a high-energy set punctuated by his
intricate, lovely riffs and saxophonist
Zane Musa’s soaring solos, the quartet
presented a well-balanced sampling of
Turgutyan’s original compositions and
reworkings of Armenian folk standards.
Crisp, clean, and atmospheric, the ma-
terial put a fresh spin on flamenco jazz
without sounding derivative. The quar-
tet was also joined by dudukist Djivan
Gasparyan, Jr., whose turn added an
elegant if plaintive sheen to the Arme-
nian melodies.
by Ishkhan Jinbashian ( the armenian reporter) - The Armenian Reporter


"Composer combines influences from his roots with those from his culture."

"He has a style all his own" - Burbank Leader


"Quote"

Last year, Vahagn Turgutyan self-produced a CD, “Short Stories,” with all original songs.

The music was featured in a concert he performed three months ago at the Pasadena Jazz Institute and brought in a huge crowd, surprising him and the institute’s founder, Paul Lines.

“He always has an open invitation to perform here,” Lines said. “We had to add folding chairs in the aisles for additional seating. It was a magical evening.” - Burbank Leader


"Quote"

Vahagn Turgutyan brings a solid knowledge of flamenco music to his recordings, said Luis Conte, who played percussion on several tracks.

Conte has been a studio musician for 35 years and appears on more than 3,000 albums with artists like James Taylor and Phil Collins.

“At such a young age, he’s really got it going on, he’s really great,” Conte said. “His first CD is a great effort. I give it a high mark — super cool.” - Burbank Leader


"The Flamenco Kid"

The uninhibited truth of human emotions, of honest expression, of accented, accentuated, purposeful movements, interactions and moments define Flamenco guitarist vahagn "vahagni" Turgutyan. - Yerevan Magazine


Discography

Short Stories ( available on i tunes and CD Baby)

Photos

Bio

Vahagn "Vahagni" Turgutyan was born into a family of Artist's, father Sarkis Turgutyan, Guitar soloist, Mother Satenik ShahNazaryan theatrical Actress, and Uncle Artur Shahnazaryan Ethno- Musicologist. Influenced and nourished by remarkable talent, Vahagni's musical development began to take center stage at the ripe age of nine. He soon showed a great interest in Flamenco Music and began to journey frequently to Andalusia, Spain.

Under the guidance of world famous Flamenco guitarist Paco Serrano, Vahagni spent over two years mastering his craft, and participating in several music festivals in Andalusia. During the “Cursos Superior del Guitarra Flamenca" held in Malaga, Vahagni was given the opportunity to perform for his childhood idol and Legendary Flamenco Guitarist, Manolo Sanlucar. It was Vahagni's original and unique sound that impressed the Maestro, which led him to a rare offer to study as a disciple of Sanlucar.

Upon returning to the United States, Vahagni recorded his first self produced album "Short Stories". The album features well regarded musicians Jimmy Branly, Carlitos Del Puerto, and Luis Conte. Vahagni's talent as a guitarist has taken him on several world tours, music festivals, clinics, and appearances on television and radio shows.

Aside from performing, Vahagni also teaches guitar at the College of the Canyons and writes a column for Finger style Guitar Magazine called "Flamenco-ology.

Recently, Vahagni was the winner of the "Best Instrumental Album of the Year" at the International Armenian Music Awards (IAMA) and nominated for "Best Flamenco Composition of the Year" at the Just Plain Folks (JPF) Music Awards.

Vahagni is currently endorsed by La'bella strings, Godin Guitars and Andres Dominguez Guitar.