Great musicians, like attractive people, usually travel in the same circles. So, it’s no surprise that after my Something Else! Sitdown with bassist/producer Leslie Johnson on his new release The Leslie Johnson project, I would delve into the work of some of the premier players he used such as Cleverson Silva and Hedras Ramos.
Keyboardist Vahagn Stepanyan is not as well-known as his peers on The Leslie Johnson Project but hopefully that will change with his debut release, Moonlight. Though its his first album, this Armenian-born keyboardist, writer and producer is hardly a novice in the music industry. Vahagn Stepanyan has written for, toured with and/or contributed to projects from artists including Nathan East, Greg Adams, Melvin Lee Davis and Matthew Shell.
In keeping, Stepanyan has called on many of his friends to contribute to Moonlight, which was self produced and mixed by Alen Konakoglu. While Vahagn Stepanyan still resides in Armenia, his recording process was global — pulling in talent from Thailand, Israel, Turkey, Slovenia and the United States. Yet, the album is cohesive and sharp, ranging from contemporary R&B based compositions and full steam jazz fusions workouts.
“Gonna Fly” kicks things off in high gear with a contemporary jazz groove aptly supported by Vahagn Stepanyan’s acoustic piano. “Give More” features Anthony Crawford providing the added elements in a jazz fusion workout. It is fast paced and features many sonic elements and tempo changes yet never feels out of context. Stepanyan’s synthesizer solos have an almost Weather Report feel.
“Someday” finds Vahagn Stepanyan working again with Leslie Johnson, and together they create a mid-tempo modern-jazz gem. Johnson’s bass adds a level of funk almost in contrast to the electric and acoustic piano parts by Stepanyan. The contrast works well as the song continue in a slow burn. The song is not only a testament to Vahagn Stepanyan’s piano playing, but his arranging and productions chops as well.
Vocalist Heanon makes contribution to the songs “Loving You” and “Image,” both of which have a mid-tempo, urban-contemporary feel and show the depths of Vahagn Stepanyan’s songwriting. Bassist Melvin Lee Davis helps pick things up with his collaboration with Eric Marienthal, on “Moonlight.” All of the soloists get to stretch a little on this mid-tempo contemporary jazz piece, which features a lovely bridge that supplies the foundation for Davis’ solo.
“True Love,” featuring vocalist Alva Copeland, is an emotive ballad with minimal production (it features only piano, synth strings and voice), something which almost seems out of place for the project yet works remarkably well. The album closing “Passion” is the perfect denouement. Built around Vahagn Stepanyan’s piano and synth/string arrangements, the song is lovely, and evocative. Moonlight covers a lot ground musically, yet Vahagn Stepanyan manages to hit the mark with each song.
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