Aram Bajakian's Kef - Aram Bajakian's Kef (2011)

Tzadiks's newest Spotlight series focuses on exemplary young bands with great dedication, passion, talent and imagination. This third release features the debut recording of Brooklyn-based Aram Bajakian's newest unit Kef, named for the Armenian dance music that combines both traditional and western instruments and influences, often in electrified bands. Aram is a shredding guitar player who is passionately proud of his heritage and is advancing the Kef tradition in very exciting ways by combining modern rock and noise with traditional Armenian forms. The music here rocks hard with exciting rhythms, searing guitar work and beautiful world music melodies, beautifully performed by a brilliant group of young lions.