Ever since the early seventies, Armik has made frequent pilgrimages to Spain. And though the guitarist enjoys the big city bustle of Barcelona and Madrid, he confesses a special fondness for the seaport town of Malaga. This unassuming province on Spain’s southern tip is home to flamenco guitar legends such as Paco de Lucia and Paco Pena, not to mention celebrated guitar craftsmen like Pedro Maldonado. “It’s a very natural place, not modernized.” Armik says. “You hear the music everywhere and it makes you happy.” Music lovers will be similarly inspired by Malaga, the guitarist’s fourth album for the Baja/TSR Record label. On previous albums, which include “Rain Dancer”, “Gypsy Flame”, and “Rubia”, Armik created a potent new strain of flamenco he dubbed “latin-gypsy jazz”. The guitarist refines that sound on Malaga, placing additional emphasis on the rhythm while introducing new instruments to the melodic fold. His efforts have resulted in an album of heartrending beauty. “Romantic Soul” commences with a simple piano pattern before exploding into an antic bossa nova. On “Cartes de Amor” Armik performs to the accompaniment of a symphonic keyboard, riding the song’s bolero rhythm like some old world caballero. Then there’s “Moonlight Fantasy”, where the guitarist improvises amidst a storm of afro-latin percussion and fretless bass. Its splendid arrangements notwithstanding, the album is first and foremost a showcase for Armik’s awe-inspiring musicianship. Though he consistently demonstrates the swift technique that has earned him the respect of guitarists worldwide, his genius is best exemplified on the album’s closing track, “Until Next Time”. During the course of this splendid solo performance, notes appear to stream from Armik’s guitar in rapid, silvery torrents. “Until Next Time” is just one of many transcendent moments featured on Malaga. This exotic recording captures the complex essence of Spain, while providing a revealing new glimpse into the mastery of Armik. Says the guitarist: “When people hear my music they say ‘this is Armik’, because the sounds and the rhythms are different. That’s how I like it.” What makes Armik’s songs so special is his writing ability to compose, without lyrics, music that inspires. Produced by: Armik Guitars: Armik performing on custom made flamenco guitars made by Pedro Maldonado & Candelas. Programming Engineer: Wayne Jones Recorded and Mixed by: Brian Levi Mastered by: Bernie at Bernie Grundman Mastering Hand Claps by: Armik Percussions: #7 & #11 were performed by M. B. Gordy Bass: #7 & #11 were performed by Bart Samolis