KEF TIME LAS VEGAS

Let’s Dance Armenian Style! could have been the title of this album. The enthusiasm and spontaneity of a Turkish group have never before been recorded with such enthusiasm and danceability. Kef Time Las Vegas was recorded completely “live” with no over-dubs. This was a necessity because the artists involved have been performing there. The word “Kef” in Armenian and Turkish means “fun” or “good time”. The title of this album “Kef Time Las Vegas”. Buddy Sarkissian, fine dumbeg playing leader of the group had been playing in Las Vegas for the past five years, primarily at the Flamingo Hotel for a period of 3 years. During this time Buddy met a young man who had just arrived from New York, Richard A. Hagopian. And after listening to him sing and play oud he immediately hired him. This album is in tribute to Richard and his many followers. Richard Hagopian, master of the oud and voice, has devoted his life to music and stands out as one of the finest oud players in the world. His knowledge of the music of the middle east is unsurpassed. The music for this album and the songs selected for this album was his choice and the owner of this record company. He has appeared in the east in the past with “Kef Time” and the grooves are worn to his music. One enters the realm of the record with the music and songs “Kef Time Las Vegas”. This is a record of authentic Armenian and Turkish modes and odd rhythms to a whirlwind climax on each side. This is a record to be enjoyed by all for a long time.

The rest of the musicians make a notable contribution to the album. To those familiar with the names of the outstanding performers of Armenian music, Manny Petro, Jack Chulakian, Russell Krouse, are all names well known in the middle eastern circles. Hachig Kazarian, the clarinetist, has been with the group 2 years. He is a graduate of the Juilliard School of Music, in New York City, by way of scholarships, he has been recording since the age of thirteen. At the present time Hachig is a teacher of music in the Las Vegas school system. He is engaged in teaching music both privately and in the Detroit, Michigan school system. He has also been playing with Buddy Sarkissian’s group in Las Vegas. Manny Petro, of Greek descent, is from Peabody, Mass. He has been playing bass for many years and has been playing with the “Coopertra” crew. His guitar playing tags him as the best in the middle eastern circles. He has been playing with Buddy Sarkissian’s group on this album. Jack Chulakian of Armenian parentage, is an accomplished young drummer. He has been playing for 10 years. He has the “feel” and a good flavor to the record with his high pitched funk. A master of his instrument he is frequently called for recording and for live performances. Russell Krouse plays the rhythm section with his zila (finger cymbals) and tambourine playing. Russell is a regular with Buddy Sarkissian’s group and is a fine oud and guitar player. He is also well known for his mid-eastern dancing. He, along with his dance partner, have thrilled thousands all over the United States and Canada. He has been playing in Las Vegas for 5 years.

These four artists combined with Richard A. Hagopian and Buddy Sarkissian, present their “Kef Time Las Vegas” to the world. This album is the end result! We sincerely hope the purchaser will have as much enjoyment listening to it as the artists had making it.

Track Listing

Side 1

1. Soode Soode (6:02)
2. Dersim Medley (3:35)
3. Rast Karahalama (2:52)
4. Tin Tin (4:15)
5. Huseyni Taksim (4:57)

Side 2

1. Konyali (4:30)
2. Bahriye Chifte Telli (3:28)
3. Eminon Ekim Tashe (3:20)
4. Koyunoun Ahp Yiken Yar Sachlarin Leve (5:02)
5. Drumsulero (3:18)

Album Information

• Artist: RICHARD A. HAGOPIAN
• Catalog Number: SH 1001; SAHA RECORDS 1001
• Catalog Numbers: SH 1001; SAHA RECORDS 1001
• Label: S.H. RECORD
• Source: SH-1001
• Format: STEREO
• Genre: MODERN DANCE SOUNDS OF THE MIDDLE EAST!!
• Recording Studio: UNITED RECORDING
• Studio Address: 3143 Industrial Road Las Vegas, Nevada