Visions of Nar - Daughter of the Seas
Daughter of the Seas is the debut album from Visions of Nar, a project from Armenian pianist Zela Margossian and Australian saxophonist Jeremy Rose
Featuring the ancient sounds of tabla player Bobby Singh, electric soundscapes of guitarist Hilary Geddes and Kurdish percussionist Adem Yilmaz, the 11 original compositions are a kaleidoscopic ride through Armenian folk and jazz influences, with a nod to the fiery Armenian goddess of water, sea and rain, Nar.
When Zela and Jeremy discussed ideas and inspiration for the album, Armenian mythology was a point of reference which both felt excited to explore. “Nar, the goddess of water and ocean,” explains Zela, “is a powerful female mythical force in Armenian mythology. We wanted to embody and reflect upon these themes in the new music.” “I’ve long been fascinated by Greek and Roman mythology,” explains Jeremy, “I was intrigued to learn more about Armenia and explore these in a musical setting.”
★★★★ “...an invigorating performance with moments of genius that evoked a tremblingly gorgeous mystical realm...” Limelight Magazine
“…a space that sonically and stylistically lay entirely outside of idiom.” - Sydney Morning Herald
For Zela, her cultural background and upbringing provides her with a natural ear for Armenian melody and folk traditions. She explains, “my Armenian heritage, and growing up in Beirut, Lebanon, has given me a broad sense of music appreciation and inspiration. My classical training and experience performing Armenian folk music has left an impression on me, an inherent sense of melody and phrasing that I am still discovering.” Despite not having formal composition lessons, Zela describes her upbringing as an excellent source of inspiration. She reflects, “I use an intuitive creative process that draws on these backgrounds, allowing them to make their way out and compliment each other.”
For Jeremy, this project was unique in its combination of musical personalities. “I’m drawn to the juxtaposition of various musical elements. In this case, I was particularly fascinated by contrasting the ancient and modern, be it Armenian folk with contemporary classical and jazz, or the sounds of Bobby’s tabla against electric soundscapes from Hilary’s guitar. We all have distinct musical approaches - I’m excited about how all these interact with each other.” Zela has found this project to be particularly inspiring. She explains, “composing for this specific project has created a special headspace for me. Composing has always been an emotional journey and a way to express my feelings or to tell a story. This project triggered a range of new ideas and sounds in my head, I can’t wait to share the recording and performances!”
Daughter of the Seas is a ABC Fresh Start Commission by ABC Jazz.
Born in Beirut, of Armenian heritage, classically trained pianist-composer Zela Margossian blends her cultural influences organically into her music, a beguiling fusion of folk, jazz and classical, carrying influences from traditional Armenian music, which she performs with her band, Zela Margossian Quintet. Her debut album Transition, was nominated for an ARIA and received glowing reviews around the world including Jazzwise (“this is globalisation of jazz writ large.. my album of the year”), SMH, (“a bright new force”). Her latest album, The Road is out through Ropeadope Records.
“an entrancing and dazzlingly unique kaleidoscropic niche.” - Downbeat US
Jeremy Rose is a two-time ARIA nominated and Australian Music Prize short-listed saxophonist-composer with over 20 releases of original music projects including his Earshift Orchestra, the Jeremy Rose Quartet, Vazesh, Project Infinity and The Vampires. Rose is founder and artistic director of the label Earshift Music.
“his mastery in all aspects of his artistry makes him a creative force with which to reckon.” - All About Jazz
Personnel
Jeremy Rose - soprano and tenor saxophone, bass clarinet
Zela Margossian - piano
Hilary Geddes - guitar
Bobby Singh - tabla
Adem Yilmaz - percussion (tracks 8 & 10)
About the Music
1. The Beginning
The inspiration behind this track is an attempt to depict the beginning of creation of the earth with the accompaniment of primordial harmonies and melodies coming out from the bellows of the earth.
2. Birth Song
This piece is inspired by an ancient song, Vahaghn’s Birth Song. Vahagn was a God worshiped anciently and historically in Armenia, who was claimed by priests as their ancestor. He was said to be a powerful figure who fought and conquered dragons, and was invoked as a god of courage, a sun god. The song is now lost, but we are left with a poem, which gives us an idea of his nature and origin.
In travail where heaven and earth,
In travail, too, the purple sea!
The travail held in the sea the small red reed.
Through the hollow of the stalk came forth smoke,
Through the hollow of the stalk came forth flame,
And out of the flame a youth ran!
Fiery hair had he,
Ay, too, he had flaming beard,
And his eyes, they were as suns!
3. Heaven and Earth
Heaven and Earth brings the legend of Armenian deity Vahagn to life. Jeremy Rose's bass clarinet breathes a deep resonance, while Zela's subtle yet grooving piano riff grounds the piece. Hilary Geddes' soaring guitar feature enhances the celestial dimension, interwoven with a catchy melody. The piece encapsulates a sonic clash between divine and earthly realms, offering listeners a memorable musical journey.
4. Visions
Visions is a meditative piece centered around a simple, pulsating pedal note. The accompanying chords provide a serene backdrop, while Zela's impromptu melody carves a path through the tranquil musical landscape. This composition invites listeners into a state of introspective tranquility, transforming the simplest of musical elements into a lush soundscape.
5. Smoke and Flames
Featuring Jeremy Rose on soprano saxophone, Smoke and Flames is a mystic exploration of divine courage. Drawing on Indian rhythmic structures, it creates an unsettling, ethereal atmosphere. The unusual mode used stirs intrigue, reflecting the tension between fire and earthly realms.
6. Revelry
Revelry is inspired by mythological stories of gods in merriment; drinking wine and indulging in food.
7. Mythical Union
It depicts the union of mythical gods where love is the binding force under the facade of wild passion and lust.
8. Dance of Nar
Dance of Nar depicts the state of frenzy the goddess would be in when she dances in the clouds while riding her horse, creating rain and thunderstorms.
9. Daughter of the Seas
The meaning of (Tzovi)Nar is “Daughter of the Seas” - the track portrays the world under the sea where Nar is in the company of beautiful and exotic sea creatures
10. Water, Sea & Rain
Water, Sea, and Rain paints a vivid sonic landscape, unfolding from an expansive rubato introduction into a ballad-like melody that progressively transitions into an invigorating groove jam. It encapsulates the multifaceted nature of water - serene, rhythmic, and powerful. A highlight is the guest performance by Kurdish percussionist Adem Yilmaz.
11. Child’s Dance
Child's Dance is a joyful ode to the spirit of youth, encapsulating a playful, rhythmic energy that embodies the exuberance of a child's dance. At the heart of the piece is an exceptional solo by tabla virtuoso Bobby Singh. This vibrant dance of rhythm and melody invites listeners to experience a youthful celebration of life, delivering an irresistible urge to move to the beat.
Album: Daughter of the Seas
Release: 15 September 2023