Old Composer REACTS to Tigran Hamasyan Levitation 21 🎹 A Composers Point of View

[@Purpose_Tortoise]

The thing about Tigran is, that he not only plays a crazy polymeter, he feels it! It's not playing a crazy subdivision and letting the percussion do its thing. It's feeling both. At times you can hear him beat box, even when playing incredibly dense stuff. He's one of few beings that can really feel and be deep in two parallel rhythmic universes. Truly incredible.

[@TheVashnessItself99]

Yeah that bleed that he's talking about is tigran beatboxing as he plays

[@derricktrevor3664]

instablaster

[@mojmircyril]

Actually, I think the beatboxing helps him feel the subdivisions, or at least that's how I use it. But yeah, he feels it either way 🙂

[@llamapenNHL]

Yes! I've always thought that counting isn't actually that important as long as you feel it. A lot of people can easily play along to Money by Pink Floyd for instance without counting to 7 in their head the whole time.

[@qgloafhun]

The "drum bleed" you heard at the start was Tigran beatboxing along to his playing, he tends to do that to count his complicated metres and it turns up here and there in studio albums

[@ZblurVFX]

cool..........

[@rallokkcaz]

Was about to comment this, it's super cool.

[@maksimkaljakin]

I call it piano-djent. as a pianist I still scratch my head each time I listen to his stuff. this guy takes you on a journey every single time

[@JoaoCarvalho-ib1ve]

Some call it djazz

[@gcvibe]

@@JoaoCarvalho-ib1ve I call it Tigran ahahah

[@Feltronc]

Omg you’ve made it to Tigran already! Haha this is amazing. You’re reacting to all the good things 👌 👌

[@KeyOfGeebz]

I know!! So worth that wait too!!!

[@jamescombridgeart]

Yes. I'll say! The best from all genres. An exciting channel to follow! For the record I'm open to all things not just the metal / prog'. If it's good it's good

[@SelcraigClimbs]

@@jamescombridgeart preach it brother! If it's good it's good, plain and simple

[@SelcraigClimbs]

@@KeyOfGeebz thank you so much for trying out so many varied musical delights. Tigran is absolutely killer. The playthrough for New Maps he did recently is insane. Hope you carry on tasting this juicy stuff

[@Merkaba954]

Umm this is crap. He can play fast for sure but the composition? Nothing about it was compelling. It was just play fast. APPARENTLY THAT'S all that matters to this group? Guy? Not sure just a bunch of hectic discordant sound. If that's your thing then good on you. I like more melody

[@wikiphaun]

Tigran Hamasyan - Vardavar (live in the mountains) is a MUST! Plays a toy piano to shreds

[@junipersmyth3483]

Tigran is probably my single favorite musician, I love that you're checking him out! Interesting bit of info about this song, it's a bunch of different rhythmic cycles within 21/8 / 21/16, and he literally created them by sticking 21 nails into a piece of wood and wrapping string around it- you can see it if you look closely at the cover art of this album. His counting chops are absolutely insane.

[@landmarksiren]

Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat!?!? Mind blown

[@TheVashnessItself99]

If I remember correctly that's not how he composed it, i think he did it himself, but had the art done up afterwards as a representation of the different cycles of 21 happening. It says that on his Instagram. Which is crazier, because he didn't use a guide to write this insane piece

[@SelcraigClimbs]

@@TheVashnessItself99 yuh, dudes a rhythmic genius.

[@MaynardsSpaceship]

I love this group. I'm learning so much.

[@AA-ln4cb]

Check out Tigran’s performance with the Berklee music school

[@gz617]

Great job pronouncing the name almost perfectly! Much love from the Armenian people. We really appreciate this one. If you're ever feeling like more melodic/metal type music, System of a Down is really worth a reaction.

[@leeana6394]

Right? He sounded like a Western Armenian to me. Good job on him.

[@benweaver6015]

I’m guessing the “drum bleed” you mention regarding the beginning of the song is actually Tigran himself. I’ve noticed in his more rhythmically intense songs he seems to do a syllable-based drum mouthing while playing piano. I’m certain there’s a proper name to this traditional style of mouthing. Makes it even more incredible!

[@gcvibe]

Yeah. That's his mouth but I don't think it is a traditional technique or something, just something that musicians sometimes do while playing. Listen to "Mother, Where Are You" from him live. It's piano and beatbox basically ahah

[@Drakhra]

@@gcvibe en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Konnakol I think it is his own variant of Konnakol

[@gcvibe]

@@Drakhra yeah but he sings melodies and some sounds like a drumkit would sound. Konnakol is related uniquely to rhythm.

[@Drakhra]

@@gcvibe You are correct

[@RandyLott]

Lalle Larsson and Jordan Rudess also tend to sing and count out loud. Lalle has a video somewhere where he does an insanely fast keyboard improvisation while singing all the notes.

[@theyonlycomeoutwhenitsquiet]

I’ve listened to his album The Call Within, where this was the opening track, some five or six times since you reacted to this. It has become my favorite current jazz listening. Not only that, but it all starts to make a lot more sense with each successive listen. The melancholy of the album really speaks to me

[@mattbennett9254]

No way! I've only just seen you for the first time (reacting to Jinjer) and I wanted to see someone react to Tigran Hamasyan and you've appeared again! Great content. Keep up the good work!

[@mrdeathamore]

Mockroot if very fun album. Found it accidentaly when started listening more jazz bands a few years ago

[@wayowayoexe9193]

Dude Yes! Tigran is the GOAT, check out "Kars 1" from his album "Mockroot", which is rooted in Armenian folk music and very much metal inspired. Your videos are amazing

[@Ariaaae]

Maybe this is why! I'm Iranian but the ending especially reminded me of my childhood, the little vocal part at the end feels really familiar. This piece of art blows me away, as I always say as long as there´s art ... there´s life

[@SelcraigClimbs]

Beauuuuutiful piece. Both 1 and 2.

[@JrueMango]

Mockroot is mind-blowing!! Written years ago and Im still AMAZED by how musical it is throughout. It's got romance, emotion, metal, folk, it uses complex rhythms, simple rhythms, it's both primitive and progressive. When Call of the Wild dropped I couldnt buy it fast enough!

[@BjornEnglund123]

Haha, amazing! I'm quite new to Tigran myself. Discovered him last year. Kars 1, Entertain Me and To Negate from the Mockroot album are some of my favourites so far. Probably they are "simple enough" for me to catch some kind of sense of what's going on. Lol. Looking forward to discovering more of his music alongside you.

[@maxkemsley6931]

Just stumbled on your account via the Plini - Papelillo video. I think as a HUGE Tigran fan, I'm here to stay!

[@daltinobambino8916]

Gojira? The Art of Dying, The Gift of Guilt, or Flying Whales would be awesome to see really enjoy your content and insight into sound and engineering, keep em comin!

[@klefftan8344]

Damn you’re going to be in for a treat with Tigran. This is merely just one side of his musical expression. Whenever you listen to him next, please “react” to Nairian Oddessy live at Berkeley. Edit: oh and if you’re curious about the mechanics of this piece, check out Yogev Gabay’s break down of the song. You’ll sure be baffled ;)

[@nedelchohristov]

@Key of Geebz - I recommend you to listen (and react) - Tigran Hamasyan - Drip (Berklee Middle Eastern Fusion Ensemble Studio Recording) .

[@huntergill4945]

yes this guy is a beast! Out of the grid, is one of my Favorite tracks by him

[@randovR1]

It’s been 4 months do more Tigran 👍

[@iruntables]

So I know this video is from a few years ago, but I didn't see anyone else mention it. I just saw Tigran live last night in Cincinnati. The effects you mentioned towards the end of the song is actually him reaching up and muting the strings. He throws that technique in quite a bit and really emphasizes that percussive rhythmic feel. Incredible live performer.

[@chrishexx3360]

First time I've heard him. Superb, I will definitely check out more. The little sprinkles of vocals throughout the track are like a cherry on top of an amazing dessert.

[@SelcraigClimbs]

Check out his little desk npr home concert. He whistles the melody and it's just gorgeous

[@SelcraigClimbs]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hoTKgYx4o5msr6c

[@akashkapil9948]

This was phenomenal. As a former classical music performance major, and someone who saw Meshuggah open for Tool in 2002, my ears were just as excited and in awe as yours Geebz. Thanks for introducing me to this genius musician!

[@andremuller7727]

Where the heck did this guy come from?!?! I'm blown away... it's like Animals as Leaders on the piano!!! Thanks for this video!!! 🙂👍

[@andyk9902]

May be Armenia

[@jdubya8762]

Hope to see tigran live one day. Amazing.

[@Drakhra]

[@bongkaos5519]

This is NOT a reaction channel. You sir are way above such things. More of a first try clinic decomposing..

[@KeyOfGeebz]

Thanks BK!!!

[@yotambronsky9990]

Yeah he does WAY more than just reacting but that's just the name of the game (:

[@djgray1200]

This got me in the mind to recommend Battles's album "Mirrored."

[@gabrieldelarosa7693]

You need to do from Tigran, Kars 1 the live version!! :)

[@str8edgbmxr641]

just subscribed!! 51 year old drummer/band director/writer and arranger/old school punk and thrasher here...love your stuff so far! You approach this stuff like I do, so I am diggin it!! You HAVE to do Aviations "Outliers" !!!!

[@DF-we4pt]

Wow been asking for this for weeks! What a holiday present!

[@danielalexander4855]

It's not bleed in of the drums at the begining. It's Tigran doing the rhythms with his mouth. He likes to play with rhythms with his mouth like beat boxing while he is playing.

[@TheMarsBear]

Hehe, just commented a Tigran recommendation on another video, but your wonderful audience beat me to it, ofc!

[@jamescombridgeart]

I love how theres some small window of him showing us where the 'beat' is, before stepping away from it agian.

[@derricktipps9867]

I would love to hear what you think about The Mars Volta. I love watching you deconstruct music and have really come to look forward to it. Any track from TMV... but Goliath would be a good place to start

[@BlindSniperz]

This. Must. Happen. Goliath offical vid cracks me up.

[@synthrev848]

Jazz taken to the top of it expression. Combining the musicality and language he listens to.

[@Slivarito]

Tigran is such an amazing pick, you're basically going through all my most listened to list for last year at this point! Gonna throw out a recommendation for Cynic, specifically Integral Birth, but honestly anything would be a good listen.

[@Drakhra]

^

[@kevinbissinger]

Evolutionary Sleeper also great

[@punman5392]

Tigran is like Meshuggah doing jazz

[@mmnovkovic]

Amazing.... I got to discover Tigran Hamasyan and this channel in one video. Subbed

[@KeyOfGeebz]

Awesome, thank you!

[@HermeticAscetic22]

It is rare to see your suggestion getting accepted so quickly. Thanks! This track is 🔥. You may also check out his other tracks Double-Faced and New Maps later on.

[@leeana6394]

You got his name perfectly right 😉

[@mrdeathamore]

wow I love that jazz player! Great suggestion

[@speakersr-lyefaudio6830]

Oh, he’s done it now!! 5:46 that’s actually him “beatboxing”, don’t know what you might call it. You actually hear that in a lot of his music. Do bird on a wing by sungazer, it’s a project between Adam Neely and a drummer guy.

[@hackandslash873]

Man, this is very The Trio Project with Hiromi, she's awesome on the keys too!

[@perhvarnes]

My thoughts exactly. She is inspired by prog metal as well.

[@collinbeal]

Both of them are the best contemporary proggy fusion pianist virtuosos

[@charliecampbell6851]

This is one of his less melodic songs. My personal favorite from that album is Our Film, with Dream Voyager and Vortex coming in close behind. Good reaction!

[@Lucius338]

this is a PHENOMENAL track, and truly part of an incredible album. Vortex, the one featuring Tosin Abasi, is also amazing, looking forward to that video. New Maps is another standout track, that one hits so hard.

[@EczilaSF]

I think the drums you heard bleeding through is actually Tigran beatboxing while playing the Piano. He does that a lot and sometime it gets picked up in recordings 😄

[@lionheart01]

more tigran please :D

[@adamhenton6221]

This was an amazing reaction. Never heard of this guy. Just WOW

[@Helvetseld]

Out of the Grid by Tigran is an amazing prog metal masterpiece. His best song IMO

[@charliecampbell6851]

Just one more comment - sorry for the spam- his most famous song is probably Vardavar, and he’s most commonly put into prog jazz or ‘djazz’, djent and jazz. Ara Resurrected is also fantastic on his newest album. It’s one of those albums that I just stick on loop and vibe to for weeks on end. Happy listening!

[@Drakhra]

+1 for Ara

[@markfrancis4250]

Just gonna out another plug in here for Tirgran Hamasyan to be revisited in the countdown! The songs The Grid or Vortex (featuring Tosin Abasi!) would be fantastic. Thanks Geebz, awwwright!

[@succirama]

Great videos! I wouldn't mind more comprehensive breakdowns of these songs. I suggest Sithu Aye - Time to Decide. Any song by him is great actually.

[@magicfairycome]

DO DRIP BY BERKLEE. I SENT YOU $5. :-0

[@Drakhra]

Yes Definitely check this out

[@ivangomez8584]

TOTALLY AGREE!

[@MtGwFriends]

It's an incredible take on an even more incredible song!

[@donmarley69]

His quintet’s ‘Gyumri Dance’ featuring Norayr Kartashyan is the pinnacle but long.

[@KalebengOfficial]

If you like this you MUST check out the live version of Kars from Yerevan 2014 also by Tigran. It's amazing musicianship and jazz improvisation.

[@armandogamboa6002]

Wonderful comments. This is a generational musician! Im mostly a jazz listener and player , also from the 60s and I believe that he is up there with Keith Jarret, Chick Corea and other great jazz artist that experimented with fusion.

[@MuskratWhiskers]

Check out Mattias IA Eklundh! He's into Konnokol and an amazing metal guitarist

[@randovR1]

Do drip by Tigran

[@illwillpress100]

I never thought someone would create a Glitch Jazz genre

[@brendanhorman884]

Saw a recommendation for Tigran's song "Drip", which is possibly my favorite song of his, but after listening to the arrangement from his Mockroot tour, I can't go back to the record version!

[@brendanhorman884]

Yes, even if it's missing Areni's beautiful vocals!

[@BottledTv]

This man goes from jolly to stressed to impressed.

[@jakobstr]

I would love to watch you decompose DRIP - Tigran Hamasyan!!!Please do that at some point!!

[@KeyOfGeebz]

Great suggestion!

[@MP-yh7jv]

Symphony x

[@caerbenogg]

More Tigran plz! :D

[@MrAndrewtheguru]

Hey man, sorry to bother you again but I'd love to hear your thoughts on Zeal and Ardor's "You Ain't Coming Back." It's not a technical masterpiece like this or Polyphia's work, but it just hits different. It is a bit out of your comfort zone, having elements of blues, rock, choral and black metal all tied into one. But, I hope you enjoy it! I'm looking forward to the next video, great work man!

[@gabefinalperigee]

when do we get to see videos of you surfing

[@hocky-ham324-zg8zc]

MORE TIGRAN!!!

[@cgafken]

Definitely have to react to the band Now Vs Now performing “Big Pump” live. A band full of studio greats just pushing each other into new sonic territory

[@scosstard3542]

Tigran is just on a level of his own in term of inventivity and technic. Drip live with the Berklee ensemble is a must watch/listen. Now you have to check the band Leprous - The Sky is Red, Slave, Illuminate, From the Flame, anyway you can do no wrong with this band Also some more recommendations: The Dillinger Escape Plan - Farewell Mona Lisa, Setting Fire to Sleeping Giants, Gold Teeth on a Bum, ... and then Dir En Grey - Vinushka one of the most versatile singer in Metal Keep the great work man!

[@vintagerealityvr]

Big brain!

[@andrewkeen3129]

I would love to see you react to 'The Cave of Rebirth' by Tigran. It is special beyond belief.

[@Rajivrajan1]

Would recommend GoGo Penguin! Or even mammal hands!

[@Zeroh95]

Mammal Hands! They're so underappreciated

[@iangillham9647]

And they say there is no good new music, they are listening in the wrong place. I don’t understand it but Fucx what fantastic stuff!

[@ani5204]

Gold

[@thetalantonx]

Dude, you are chewing through the hits so fast. Please consider reacting to Tobin Abasi, Ichika Nito, and Jacob Collier.

[@jamescombridgeart]

Bumping this

[@SelcraigClimbs]

Chuck in some Yvette young/covet, Jakub Zytecki, vildhjarta and Humanitys last breath as well

[@onetymebigtyme]

yes !!!

[@MaddDogg316]

Charles Berthoud, anyone?

[@Dehhloki]

I think you would like to check Symphony X too, they have a lot of complex compositions with symphonic parts in the realm of prog metal. Songs to check: Accolade The Odissey

[@MikeKobb]

Check out his video of "What the Waves Brought", posted on YT by KUTX Austin. It's a live, solo studio performance, so you can really see him play. Holy crap.

[@joelanttila7927]

Tigran is the GOAT

[@vanilla_milkshake]

I'm a drummer and this is also my first time hearing this song. If I were to guess I'd say that the song is in a very fast 7.. maybe 21/16? Which would make sense with that title.

[@vanilla_milkshake]

@@tom_dilley I don't know how to process that information... is there a diagram I could see? 😅

[@vanilla_milkshake]

@@tom_dilley thanks dude

[@isaacdechant9025]

Hey man I’m really sure you have a lot on your plate for the channel. There is a band called Lamb of God which is so amazing and has touched my heart. I recommended Walk with me in Hell which is off their 2006 album Sacrament. Also if you like meshuggah, “Bleed” is an amazing herta fest if you catch my drift.

[@BlindSniperz]

I listen to a lot of Dream Theater so I can appreciate this. Thanks, going to have to check out more.

[@HCXWinchester]

ALSO PORCUPINE TREE! Never forget to recommend him PT lol

[@landmarksiren]

Yes! Anything with MP lol

[@RandyLott]

Nice profile picture. In Absentia is amazing!

[@VapedTalon]

I'm looking forward to what you bring out next. Something I think you would be interested in in a slightly different flavour is Tash Sultana - Jungle. The live version is best to fully appreciate she puts it all together. I mean who needs a band when you can just layer your own tracks live? KFOG Private Concert or the Triple J's one night stand version are a good place to start.

[@markfrancis4250]

PLEASE revisit Tigran Hamsyan! He is insanely talented and unique. Do the songs The Grid and Out of the Grid together. It's total jazz-djent. Huge Meshuggah influence!

[@cherrysa7448]

I think you would like "Drip" from him/them ...a crazy great all in fusion!!!... Thank you for all the prog-rock universe!!!

[@bornindissonance]

YOU ARE DOING ALL THE RIGHT THINGS LATELY

[@yetonemorechannel]

Rivers Of Nihil - Where Owls Know My Name - prog/tech death metal with a saxophone and a cool old-fashioned psychedelic video, and the title track from one of the best metal albums of 2018. You'll enjoy it. Also the track from this album The Silent Life is great. Be'Lakor - The Smoke Of Many Fires or Be'Lakor - An Ember's Arc - not that famous but just cool australian progressive metal with interesting instrumental parts

[@RisingSunDead]

You should check out Rings Of Saturn, Thy Art Is Murder or maybe Perturbator (it's synthwave, but I guess you will like it)

[@collinbeal]

His meters are heavily influenced by Konnakol, and thus he doesn't just play in complex meter, he also drags out notes to have the 1 2 3... feel

[@Yarkhan]

That Full Circle Thing. Metal influenced Hamasyan. Hamasyan influenced Prog / Djent. Djent influenced Hamasyan back. And now there is collabs between them. Its nuts!

[@qualityvigilante599]

In the start , it's him beatboxing... man this guy is just genius....!!! Also, there is more than one piano recorded...!

[@thaddeusk]

You should do Archspire - Involuntary Doppelgänger :)

[@jakevandewoestyne269]

Before the first break I kept counting 5s and locking into some sort of cycle with it, but I got nothing beyond that

[@vintagerealityvr]

If you do another QA type video can you describe your background in that psybient style you have posted before the reactions? It's interesting that you have that stuff posted but are also into prog stuff. Also One of my favorite artists ever is bluetech who is also in Hawaii. ! Cheers (aloha?)

[@markdrechsler5660]

All the Tigran I’ve heard so far is excellent, but my personal favorite is the album “Mockroot.” It’s not all as tempo intense, some haunting and beautiful melodies. I also recommend his “Red Hail” album. There are some good live videos of his trio, with astonishing musicianship. Have fun!

as Ruben Buijs , a dutch reactor on youtube , said -> this is meshuggah on the piano.

[@Rickdevos1]

Very great of you to share this artist with the world through your channel! Hopefully many people get inspired! Watching Tigran play live uncovers a bit more of his musical skills. And hopefully your metal fan followers find new inspiring music because of you. Best wishes!

[@sebastianjensen8448]

You should check out Opeth! Ghost of perdition is a good start🤘🏻 love the content

[@markfrancis4250]

Would love to see your reaction to Godspeed You! Black Emperor, perhaps the song Mladic. Absolutely incredible avant guard Montreal post-rock bad.

[@avigayegos1496]

reminds me of inside out by chick corea

[@chrisoakley7071]

PLEASE REACT Archspire - involuntary doppelganger