Journal

The compositions on this album were inspired by real events. They serve as reflections of significant moments from my life, during the year that saw the conception, development and the completion of this heart-felt project. The name “Journal” derives from the idea of keeping a musical diary, to write down notes by using “little black dots”, instead of using letters.

“11:11” – Monday, November 16th, 2009, 11:11 AM

For the last 3 years, every single day, it seems that I take notice of the time 11:11 on my watch. I don’t remember exactly when and how it started; but, every time I see those numbers, I get curious: Why does it surprise me so much? What’s behind that particular time? Maybe I’ve been reading too many “time travel” based fiction books. Huh! This should be a sign for me to write a new tune, exactly at 11:11.

“Twitching Eye” – Tuesday, June 3rd, 2008, 10:37 AM

My eye has been twitching for 3 days. I’ve tried many things to get rid of it, and nothing seems to work. I wonder if the twitch has a rhythm to it.
After playing for an hour, I came up with an intro for a tune; and I think it matches the sequence and the rhythm of the twitch. Let’s see if this will cure my eye.

“When I Go Back” – Wednesday, August 27th, 2008, Time Unknown

It’s my father’s birthday; and I really miss being there to celebrate it with him and my family — it’s been more than 7 years since I left! After talking to him on the phone, I was down for a while. Later on, something gave me the strength to play a little bit. I was so full of emotions that I decided to put a few ideas down on paper. No doubt, it’s going to be a melancholic one.

“Seven” – Thursday, July 10th, 2008, Late Evening

One of the things that keeps me going and makes my life complete is my friends. They give me a tremendous amount of inspiration. I still remember the trip to West Virginia, a few years ago; like it was just yesterday. It gave birth to a friendship that I now can’t imagine my life without. There were seven of us …
I finished it! It took me a few hours. I’m tired, but very satisfied. I’ll write “Seven” on top and then try to get some sleep, despite my excitement.

“To My Beloved Stranger”, Friday in July, 2008, Late Night

I never believed in “Platonic Love”; couldn’t imagine that it would be possible to fall in love without even seeing the person. The nature of the relationship between man and woman always either involves physical attraction or builds upon it. You can’t virtually love somebody passionately for just their true inner beauty, their kind and pure character, without actually being in front of them, at least one time, to actually look into their eyes…
Perhaps, I’m contradicting the fact that I’ve experienced it. Maybe I don’t want to recognize the truth, because it’s still doesn’t seem real. I dedicate this song to the stranger who I’ve never had the opportunity to meet.

“Midnight Mood” by Joe Zawinul, Saturday, March 28th, 2009, Time Unknown

I remember the nights when Tony and I were in Baltimore, playing those duo gigs. Every time we played this tune, I would feel something going up my spine and exploding in my mind. I woke up one night and I just couldn’t sleep. It was on this moody night that I considered including it in the project. Zawinul has been one of my biggest influences, one of my virtual teachers. I dedicate this rendition to him, as a genius, a one of a kind musician who inspired so many musicians and left us with many hidden beautiful treasures like “Midnight Mood”.

“Karma” – Sunday, January 10th, 2009, 2:00 AM

This last composition refers to one of the more important ideas that I follow in my life; despite the fact that I’m a Christian. It’s what causes me to do my best to follow a righteous and positive path. I know that the energy we produce when we think or act does not disappear. It comes back with the same polarity. That’s how this project could be possible.

I thank my friends Tony and Wes for being so patient, during the rehearsals and the recording session. I thank all the people who inspired me to keep the pen in my hand. I thank my listener for reading this short story of mine.

Peace.
A.Sirunyan