A compelling collection of Armenian Folk Songs
Mariam Matossian has a lovely voice. That alone would be reason to give "In the Light" a listen, but the collection of Armenian folk songs that she perfoms here offer pleasures beyond her voice. Combining elements of Central European and Middle Eastern musical traditions, the songs are rich with instrumental pleasures, deftly complementing Matossian's vocals that float or soar above the mix. The hauntingly beautiful "Khntsorizarin Dag" is a good place to start to get a sense of the album's pleasures. Other standout tracks include "Patsvaz Vart," "Narineh," "Nor Yerk" and "Arev, Arev." Repeated listening is richly rewarded.