Oaksenham

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Established in 2001 Oaksenham’s core consists of experienced musicians that played in a range of influential Armenian rock bands: Vahagn Papayan (a.k.a. Dumbarton Oaks) and Ashot Korganyan from the same progressive band very popular in 90s in Armenia (a.k.a. Strangers, Bambir 2). Professionally educated musicians, nearly all of them are graduates of the Yerevan State Komitas Conservatory they soon proved their serious intentions upon giving a very good concert in June 2002. In addition to the electrical program the band also boasts an acoustic one, part of which was presented to public on March 18 2004 at the opening of the British Posters Exhibition organized by British Council Yerevan. For this time it was their “Beatles Fantasy” performed with a woodwind ensemble that met a very warm response from public and media. The Oaksenham were highly claimed in the leading European and North American prog journals for their debut live CD “Woden’s Eve” self-released in 2004, among them Classic Rock Society (UK), Expose (USA), Prog-Resiste (Belgium), Strutter-zine (Netherlands). There are articles dedicated to the band in the Gibraltar Encyclopedia of Progressive Rock, GEPR (USA). In summer 2006 the band finished mixing and mastering of their first studio album “Conquest of the Pacific” and already received enthusiastic comments for sent-out promo-version of the album. As a result Oaksenham signed a respected license deal with a leading French label Musea and the album's official release occurred in November 2007. Immediately a very warm response from general public and prog-connoisseurs followed. This debut studio album was considered as one of best prog releases in 2007. Very respectful articles appeared in the GEPR, Progressor, and Proggnosis. The band entered into the new era of its existence - international respect has been granted. The band now plans to appear in the clubs in Europe, at the international festivals and of course a new studio effort under the draft title "Hawks on Oaks", which will incorporate such pieces like excerpts from Symphonie Fantastique by Hector Berlioz and Peer Gynt by Edward Grieg, should intrigue all music lovers.

[edit] Excerpts from Reviews

"Oaksenham's "Conquest of the Pacific" is an incredibly mature work, with not even a small hint of debut syndrome, an excellent creation by a truly talented band that ranks along the very best in contemporary Symphonic Progressive. Don't miss!" Progressor, November 2007

"Oaksenham have potential to please a prog-rock audience, especially those with a more eccentric outlook." Martin Hudson Classic Rock Society, UK (2004)

"A solid continuation of the classic prog style." Peter Thelen, Expose, USA (2004)

"The music of Oaksenham is all well orchestrated and expertly performed instrumental arrangements." Fred Trafton, GEPR, USA (2004)

“People looking for a real quality instrumental Prog-rock album need to check out this release”, Strutter-zine, Netherlands (2004)

[edit] Line-up

  • Vahagn Papayan–bass
  • Anna Adamyan–keyboards
  • Valeri Tolstov–flute, keyboards
  • Vardan Gasparyan–guitars
  • Koriun Bobikyan–violin, percussion
  • Ashot Korganyan–drums

[edit] External links

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