Jazz pianist Armen Donelian

The West Stockbridge Historical Society (WSHS) will host renowned jazz pianist Armen Donelian and the Armen Donelian Quartet.

Armen Donelian will headline a group of all-star musicians in a concert featuring Mr. Donelian’s original jazz compositions, as well as songs from the American Jazz playbook. For over forty years, pianist, composer and Fulbright Scholar Armen Donelian has distinguished himself as a solo pianist, bandleader, recording artist, educator and author.

In 25 countries throughout the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle and Far East, he has performed and recorded since 1975 as a featured artist, and with jazz legends including Sonny Rollins, Chet Baker, Paquito D’Rivera, Mongo Santamaria, David Liebman and Billy Harper. Mr. Donelian’s distinctive music blends diverse influences including his Armenian origin, his Classical technique and his association with some of the biggest names in Jazz.

Donelian has produced 13 critically acclaimed recordings backed by top-shelf New York artists including Eddie Gomez, Billy Hart, Bill Stewart, Dick Oatts, Dean Johnson, Marc Mommaas and Tyshawn Sorey. In his 2014 two-CD release Sayat-Nova: Songs of My Ancestors (Sunnyside), with David Clark and George Schuller, Donelian transforms 18th Century Armenian folk songs into miniature jazz masterpieces, offering “Countless exquisite moments” (Downbeat). These scores were published as Sayat-Nova: Ancestral Songs (Edition Gruber).

Joining Mr. Donelian are bassist David Clark, drummer George Schuller, and vocalist Dominique Eade.

David Clark is a multi-instrumentalist, singer, recording artist, producer, and composer. He is a Professor at Berklee College of Music’s Boston Campus, International Clinics, and Online School. He performs regularly on both upright and electric basses, primarily in the Jazz, Rock, Funk/R&B, and Classical styles. He has performed with a long list of leading jazz luminaries including John Abercrombie, Mose Allison, Karrin Allyson, Ashford & Simpson, Patti Austin, Louis Bellson, George Benson, the Boston Pops, Joanne Brackeen, Gary Burton and many others.

George Schuller is drummer, composer, arranger, producer, researcher, and archivist. Schuller has released several albums including Listen Both Ways (Playscape), Life’s Little Dramas (Fresh Sound) and JigSaw (482 Music). He leads several groups including Circle Wide and The George Schuller Trio. Schuller appeared on Joe Lovano’s Rush Hour (Blue Note). Between 2013-18, Schuller toured with Lee Konitz Quartet (legendary alto saxophonist) appears at festivals, concert halls and clubs all over the US, Europe and the Far East.

Dominique Eade is a jazz vocalist, composer and improviser that combines technical virtuosity with a songwriter’s straightforward emotional delivery, creating music that has garnered critical acclaim, inspired audiences and served as a creative signpost for generations of vocalists. The New York Times called Eade “an exceptional singer” driven by “a jazz musician’s exploratory instincts.” The Atlantic Monthly has recognized Eade for her “rich voice and effortless delivery,” while The Boston Phoenix described her music as “sublime and daring.” Eade has performed at major festivals, as well as at choice concert halls and nightclubs throughout the United States, Latin America and Europe.

​​This program is supported in part by grants from the West Stockbridge Cultural Council and the Richmond Cultural Council, local agencies which are supported by ​the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

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