THE LOST AND FOUND, LIVE ALBUM

Artsruni is a six piece Armenian formation that was founded by Vahan Artsruni. Originally he was destined to become a doctor in medicines after his masters degree but music turned out to be his first love. From 1984 he was involved in lots of musical activities and he developped himself into a skilled and experienced musician.

The first five songs on this live album sound like studio- sessions or jams: the melodic music is build around flute/electric guitar interplay and soli, mainly by guitar (with echoes from Ritchie Blackmore but less heavy) or flute and at some moments the bass guitar. The use of (twanging) acoustic guitar gives the music a warm and folky atmosphere. My highlights are Aditon (obvious Jethro Tull climate), Anush Garun (dynamic with hints from the embryonic Solaris) and I m So (beautiful twanging acoustic guitar and flute but with the foucs on a long and sensitive electric guitar solo). The other two deliver a folky atmosphere (similar to Dutch folk band Flairck) with violin, acoustic guitar and pleasant Armenian vocals.

A fine album, not with keyboards but it sounds very warm, prog folk fans wil be pleased.