Charles 'Chick' Ganimian was an Armenian-American musician known mostly for playing the oud. His oud style was unique and he was known for playing Turkish, Armenian, and Arabic music in the "kef" (party) style of the Armenian immigrants from Turkey to the US. He played at Armenian-American dance parties as well as belly dance shows in the Manhattan ethnic nightclubs and elsewhere. The basic repertoire he used throughout his career was molded by the music he heard and learned in his youth.
When he was 10, Ganimian moved with his family to the Washington Heights section of Manhattan. After initially studying the violin and attaining some skill on the instrument, he switched to the oud.
Although trained as a butcher, Chick earned his living exclusively as a musician. His regular appearances at Asbury Park's Fennimore Hotel, the Round Table, where he was a headliner for years, the Cafe Feenjon, and numerous other venues, allowed him to enjoy a comfortable living.
He has played with Rufus Harley, and had a hit single in the 1950s with Ganimian's Asia Minors. He released many solo albums as well.
Although a musician of great reputation and accomplishment, Chick Ganimian is very poorly represented on recordings. There are a few 78's, some LP's he recorded as a "side man" with jazz flautist Herbie Mann, and a few privately produced independent recordings.This CD is the only recording available to include this legendary oud player. Famous for his unique singing and style on the oud, Ganimian is presented here in a rare form - recorded live at Cape Cod, MA during a Kef weekend.
Musicians includes: Charles 'Chick' Ganimian (oud); Haig Hagopian, Jack Chalikian, Roger Krikorian, Ken Kalajian, Chris Marashlian, Paul Mooradian.
Tracks include: Middle Eastern Instrumental, Nane' Souyou, Canna Kaleh, Halime, Hedy Loo Medley, Efem, Halvaji Halva Medley |
