Armen Donelian at Tucson Jazz Festival at Arizona Inn Tucson Room

About

Armen Donelian, pianist/composer has had an enviable 40-year career. Donelian apprenticed with a series of jazz giants starting in 1975 with Mongo Santamaria, where he presided over the piano chair once filled by Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea. Two years later, Sonny Rollins recruited him as a sideman for several tours. Donelian has consistently explored his Armenian roots in his music and recorded for several labels with the Middle Eastern jazz ensemble Night Ark and he co-produced (with producer George Avakian) Listen to My Heart, a collection of jazz interpretations of Armenian folk songs.