| Gor Mkhitarian Գոռ Մխիթարյան |
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|---|---|
Gor Mkhitarian performing in Glendale, California |
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Gor Mkhitarian |
| Born | 1973 in Yerevan, Armenia |
| Genres | Rock, Folk |
| Occupations | singer |
| Years active | 2001 - present |
| Website | Gor Mkhitarian's official website |
| Notable instruments | |
| guitar | |
Gor Mkhitarian (Armenian: Գոռ Մխիթարյան), (born on 1973 in Vanadzor, Armenia), is an Armenian singer and songwriter who started his musical career in Armenia. He immigrated to the United States and now is based in Los Angeles. In Armenia he started with the rock formation Lav Eli. He developed his solo career starting 2001 with a number of albums[1] in various genres including pop, rock and folk music. He sings both in English and Armenian.
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The emergence of Gor Mkhitarian reflects the very best of the burgeoning music scene now taking foot in Armenia. He was widely known throughout Armenia as the lead guitarist for one of country's best rock bands, Lav Eli (in Armenian Լավ էլի) that he established with fellow musician Mher Manukyam.
He also worked with the groups Snack and Force Major.
Mkhitarian launched his solo career in 2001 with debut solo album Yeraz and has released six more albums since: Godfather Tom (2003), Episode (2004), self-titled GOR (2006), Acoustic Folklore (2007), United Fantasies: Exit Ahead (2008) and Spirit (2009). Being nominated for a total of 14 industry music awards, he makes fresh and compelling music that successfully fuses traditional Armenian music with both rock and folk idioms. In his music, Mkhitarian makes a case for writing the next chapter in Armenia's rich musical history by updating the sound and feel of the classic Armenian folk song. But what has made Mkhitarian a favorite in Armenia is his uncanny ability to combine unique songwriting ability with stunning modern arrangements of Armenian folk music. Gor Mkhitarian gets down to basics by giving the listener meaningful lyrics, colorful arrangements, and melodic hooks that create warm and inspiring songs.
In 2003 Gor Mkhitarian moved to Los Angeles where drummer Andranik Harutyunyan, basist Varujan Hovakimyan, pianist Art Grigorian and guitarist Jay Dean joined the band. Stepping away from his previous acoustic-driven "signature", with the new band he features remarkable musicianship and showcases a different approach to his songwriting. It's Armenian music, as it has never been heard before.
Gor Mkhitarian cites Simon & Garfunkel, Sting, and The Dave Matthews Band, to name a few, as strongly influencing his music. Traces of Armenian folk troubadours Ruben Hakhverdyan and Harout Bezjian as well as Bob Dylan can at times be heard in Mkhitarian's solo material. But what has made Mkhitarian a favorite in Armenia is his uncanny ability to combine unique songwriting ability with stunning modern arrangements of Armenian folk music.