Sar Kamler - Butterfly: Colors of Armenian Duduk (2024)

Nine years, countless hours of practice, and a journey from musical illiteracy to composition - that's the story behind "Butterfly: Colors of Armenian Duduk." When I first picked up the duduk, I couldn't read a note of music. Now, I'm inviting you to experience the fruits of my transformation, much like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon.

If you've heard the duduk before, it was likely in the background of a film, its mournful tones underscoring a poignant moment. But I saw something more in this ancient instrument. This album is my attempt to break the duduk out of its typecasting, to show you its full spectrum of colors - from soulful laments to joyous celebrations and everything in between.

Take "Ode to Seasons," for instance. It starts with a lone duduk echoing the stark beauty of winter, then blossoms into spring, swells with the richness of summer, and finally celebrates the abundance of autumn. In many ways, this piece mirrors my own journey from hesitant beginner to budding composer.

You'll hear a variety of styles on this album. "Funky Sar" brings together duduk and funk in an unexpected fusion, while "Mountain Dance" shows off the instrument's capacity for speed and technical complexity. Each track is an experiment, hopefully, a new color in the duduk's palette.

Throughout this process, I've strived to balance innovation with respect for the duduk's rich heritage. It's been like walking a tightrope, but I believe the result honors both tradition and possibility.

Nature has been a constant source of inspiration for me, and you'll hear its influence in many of these pieces, particularly in the opening and closing tracks.

Creating this album has been a journey of growth, challenges, and joyous discoveries. I invite you to listen with open ears and an open heart. Whether you're a long-time duduk aficionado or new to its unique sound, I hope you'll find something here that moves you, surprises you, or makes you smile.

Thank you for joining me on this musical adventure.

— Sar Kamler

Tracklist:
1-1. Sar Kamler - Ode to Seasons (07:45)
1-2. Sar Kamler, Yoed Nir - Little Paradise (feat. Yoed Nir) (05:12)
1-3. Sar Kamler - Funky Sar (04:47)
1-4. Sar Kamler, Bill McBirnie - Pegasus N5 (feat. Bill McBirnie) (04:22)
1-5. Sar Kamler - Butterfly (04:34)
1-6. Sar Kamler, Val Chitac - Swan's Dream (feat. Val Chitac) (04:12)
1-7. Sar Kamler - Lullaby for Sar (03:50)
1-8. Sar Kamler - Mountain Dance (04:12)
1-9. Sar Kamler - It's Springtime (03:01)