On January 28 at 3:00 PM, the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) building will host the official presentation of Jazz in Armenia, a book authored by Armen Chiko Tutunjyan. Published under the “Foreign-Language Literature Promoting Armenian Culture” grant program of the RA Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports (ESCS), this publication offers an in-depth exploration of Armenia’s jazz and estrada music legacy.
The book chronicles the 85-year history of jazz and estrada in Armenia, tracing its origins, growth, and the artists who shaped its journey. Within its pages are creative profiles of over 50 iconic musicians and concise biographies of approximately 80 performers who left indelible marks on the Armenian music scene. Additionally, it highlights the contributions of internationally renowned jazz artists of Armenian descent, shedding light on their creative endeavors and global influence.
What sets Jazz in Armenia apart is its rich array of over 500 rare archival photographs and 70 integrated QR codes. These codes offer readers the unique opportunity to watch and listen to some of the finest examples of Armenian jazz artistry, making the book a multimedia treasure trove for jazz enthusiasts and historians alike.
Published in English, this book is both a professional and artistic achievement, offering the first comprehensive overview of jazz’s history in Armenia. It stands as a unique cultural document that preserves and promotes the legacy of Armenian jazz for global audiences, cementing its place as a foundational work in its genre.