Joy Ascension – Macha Gharibian

Joy Ascension is an album by pianist, composer, and vocalist Macha Gharibian, released in 2020, which articulates a singular language at the intersection of contemporary jazz, traditional Armenian heritage music, and auteur pop.

The core of the record is structured around a classic trio format alongside Chris Jennings on double bass and Dré Pallemaerts on drums, complemented by specific guest appearances by Bert Joris on trumpet and Artyom Minasyan on doudouk.

The repertoire balances highly demanding rhythmic original compositions and atmospheric instrumental pieces with two critical reinterpretations: the traditional track "Sari Siroun Yar" and a version of Paul Simon's "50 Ways To Leave Your Lover."

Through this production, the album establishes a platform for sonic exploration where the leader’s biculturalism acts as the axis for developing hybrid textures and open group dynamics.