Gor Mkhitarian

Armenian guitarist/vocalist Gor Mkhitarian got his first guitar at the age of 15, although he didn't take it seriously until he turned 21. Born in 1973 in the city of Vanazor, Mkhitarian grew up listening to as much Bob Dylan and Simon & Garfunkel as he did local heroes like Rouben Hakhverdian and Harout Bezjian, resulting in a sound that's steeped in sixties and seventies American pop ock, but laced with Eastern European folk melodies. He kicked around that idea in several bands in the mid-90's, including work with Lavi Eli, Snack, and Force major. But enjoying the somber beauty of traditional Armenian music, he decided to make his debut solo album a folk record, 2001's award-winning Yeraz. The simple combination of two acoustic guitars, percussion, and a banjo, as well as insightful and meaningful lyrics earned him a following amongst the world's burgeoning Armenian communities. In 2004 he released Godfather Tom, another winning collection of fiery folk-rock that added a full band driven by Mkhitarian's intricate guitar work and warm vocals.