Month: June 2005

Pan Armenian News
SWEDEN READY TO SERIOUS COOPERATION WITH ARMENIA
07.06.2005 05:08
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Today newly appointed Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden
to Armenia Johan Molander (residence in Moscow) presented credentials to
Armenian President Robert Kocharian, reported the Press service of the
Armenian leader. In the course of the meeting the Swedish diplomat noted
that his country intends to increase attention to the region of the South
Caucasus and development of relations with Armenia is very important in this
respect. In his words, Sweden hails Armenia’s commitment to Euro-integration
and is ready to serious cooperation. R. Kocharian noted exchange of
information and activation of business ties was necessary to expand
Armenian-Swedish relations.

Pan Armenian News
ARMENIAN PILOTS TO BE DELIVERED TO ARMENIAN OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN
MALABO TODAY
07.06.2005 04:58
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Gevorg Petrosyan, the official representative of the
Armenian Foreign Ministry, left for the Equatorial Guinean capital last
evening, reported Foreign Ministry Press Secretary Hamlet Gasparyan. Today
Mr. Petrosyan met with Prosecutor General of Equatorial Guinea, as well as
held meetings with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Justice. During
these meetings agreements over delivery of Armenian pilots were made with
the Guinean authorities. At the moment the Armenian pilots are still in the
prison. The Guinean party has promised to convey them to Armenia’s official
representative today. The specific terms of the return of the pilots to
Armenia are not known yet.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Pan Armenian News
ARMENIAN PM VISITED EXPO-2005
07.06.2005 04:42
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenian Prime Minister Andranik Margaryan visited
EXPO-2005 in Aichi State, Japan, where he participated in the opening of the
Armenian stand dedicated to the National Day of Armenia, reported the Press
Service of the Armenian Government. He addressed the guests and participants
of the exhibition, specifically noting that similar events, in which over
200 countries and international organizations participate, are in line with
the integration processes in the world and allow establishing not only
economic and commercial relations between peoples and states, but also
promote cultural and humanitarian ties. In his words, EXPO-2005 will promote
multilateral cooperation. Thereupon he encouraged unification of
representatives of the three South Caucasian countries in Caucasus joint
pavilion. «In the age of scientific and technical progress, development of
economy it is necessary to use all opportunities to make peoples and states
closer, to know more about each other and to specify cooperation
opportunities,» Andranik Margaryan stated. Thereupon, in his words,
recognizing the truth that international integration and unification is
possible only via development of each sovereign state, history of each
people, maintaining cultural identity. «I assure that from sunny Armenia we
brought the best from the heart and the soul and it has been peculiar to the
Armenian people during the ages of its history, today and in the future,»
the PM said. After the opening of the Armenian stand Mr. Margaryan visited
other pavilions of the EXPO. It should be noted that in Nagoya city a
reception was organized for the Armenian delegation, which will today head
for Tokyo, where bilateral meetings with Japanese supreme officials will be
held.

PRESS RELEASE
HOVHANESS MUSEUM PROJECT
The Cristofori Foundation
Postbox 288
9206 Rogues Road
Casanova, Virginia 20139-0288, USA
email: [email protected]
tel: +1-540-788-3356
fax: +1-540-788-3358
ANNOUNCEMENT — ALAN HOVHANESS MUSEUM PROJECT
———————————————
Following the success of the 20th anniversary concert
of Armenia’s Alan Hovhaness Chamber Orchestra (in
November 2004), there is an ambitious plan to build an
Alan Hovhaness Museum and Research Center in Yerevan,
Armenia, the land of Hovhaness’s paternal ancestors.
The city already has a magnificent Khachaturian
museum, and Hovhaness himself bequeathed scores to the
Yeghishe Charents State Museum of Literature and Art
of Armenia when he visited there in 1965.
In 1940, Hovhaness (1911-2000) became organist at St.
James Armenian Church in Watertown, Massachusetts, and
began to thoroughly assimilate the spirit of Armenian
liturgical music into his own works. Although this is
well known with regard to his 1940s ‘Armenian period’,
this influence never fully receded throughout the
ensuing decades. The people of Yerevan have
identified with this music and, as the recent concert
success showed, revere him almost as one of their own.
This is a call to gather materials to send to Yerevan.
The proposed museum will need photos, letters,
concert programs, posters, newspaper and magazine
articles, CD recordings, LP recordings, concert
recordings, scores, transcriptions of radio programs,
reminiscences — in short, anything and everything
possible having to do with Hovhaness. Also
particularly welcome are reminiscences from those who
knew Hovhaness.
We welcome your comments, suggestions and questions.
In Armenia materials will be collected by Alexan
Zakyan, the general manager of the Alan Hovhaness
Chamber Orchestra and president of the “Manana” Public
Beneficial Organization.
Contact:
Alexan Zakyan Co-ordinator, Hovhaness Museum Project
Halabian 11/34
375038 Yerevan
ARMENIA
email: [email protected]
tel./fax: + 374 1 39 54 67
mobile: + 374 9 33 36 84
In the USA, materials will be collected by pianist and
long-time Hovhaness champion Martin Berkofsky.
Contact:
Hovhaness Museum Project
The Cristofori Foundation
Postbox 288
9206 Rogues Road
Casanova, Virginia 20139-0288, USA
email: [email protected]
tel: +1-540-788-3356
fax: +1-540-788-3358
Martin will pass materials to the Armenian Embassy in
Washington to be sent on to Yerevan by secure
diplomatic post. As some may be aware, Martin gave
the first Armenian performance of Hovhaness’s
‘Lousadzak’ in Yerevan in November 2004, as well as
the world premiere of Hovhaness’s Double Piano
Concerto in Moscow earlier that year. He has been an
ambassador for Hovhaness for over 30 years, previously
working with the composer on the recordings of
‘Concerto No.10’, ‘Khaldis’ and ‘Saturn’.
In Europe, Marco Shirodkar will collect materials to
be sent on to Yerevan. Donations can be sent to:
Hovhaness Museum Project
Postbox 16134
London
Great Britain N12 7WB
email:[email protected]
fax: +44-870-458-1640
Marco administers the Alan Hovhaness website
which is where museum progress
reports will be posted. Send whatever you (your local
bookshop, library, college) might have to spare — and
spread the word to everyone possible about this
momentous project!
Those wishing to make donations toward the museum
(which will be used to cover the costs of construction
and materials) can direct checks or money orders to:
Hovhaness Museum Project, The Cristofori Foundation
(address above). Donations are tax deductible.
Thank you very much.
(from Alexan Zakyan, Coordinator, Hovhaness Museum Project)

PRESS RELEASE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of Australia & New Zealand
10 Macquarie Street
Chatswood NSW 2067
AUSTRALIA
Contact: Laura Artinian
Tel: (02) 9419-8056
Fax: (02) 9904-8446
Email: [email protected]
7 June 2005
ARMENIAN PILGRIMS IN HONG KONG
Sydney, Australia – With the fatherly blessing of His Holiness Karekin II
Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, the Armenian Church
Committee of Calcutta, headed by Mrs Sonia John, organised a week of events
from 26 May-1 June to honour the memory of Sir Catchik Paul Chater, an
Indian-born Armenian, considered to be one of the founding fathers of Hong
Kong having made a major contribution to its development in the 19th and
early 20th century. A group of some 100 pilgrims including about 30 of
Chater’s descendants from the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and
Australia, as well as a number of distinguished guests attended the
pilgrimage that coincided with the centenary anniversary of St Andrew’s
Church in Kowloon constructed with a large donation installed by Sir
Catchik.
Among the invited guest list was His Eminence Archbishop Aghan Baliozian,
Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of Australia and New Zealand;
His Grace Bishop Yesraz Nersessian, Primtate of the Diocese of Russia; Dr
Richard Hovannisian, Dr Kevork Bardakjian and Dr Peter Cowe from the United
States.
The week-long activities commenced with Holy Mass on Friday, 27 May, 2005
presided by His Eminence Archbishop Baliozian and accompanied by His Grace
Bishop Nersessian. Sixteen students from the Armenian College &
Philanthropic Academy Church Choir in Calcutta partook in the church service
that was followed by a memorial luncheon. The congregation later proceeded
to the Happy Valley Cemetery on Hong Kong Island for the blessing of Sir
Catchik’s grave.
On the following day, a seminar was held at Kimberley Hotel where
international and local guest speakers including Archbishop Aghan Baliozian
addressed the pilgrims on various topics relating to Sir Catchik Paul
Chater’s life and his spirit of philanthropy. Later that same afternoon,
there was an open discussion with the panellists and a presentation of a
film on the life of Sir Catchik Paul Chater produced by Henrik Terchonian, a
former student of the Armenian College and Philanthropic Academy and Awardee
of the Sir Catchik Paul Chater.
On the morning of 29 May, there was opportunity for guests and pilgrims to
meet the descendants of the Chater family. In the afternoon, Mrs Sonia John
addressed the pilgrims on the Armenians of India organised by the Royal
Asiatic Society.
The activities over the week incorporated tours of Hong Kong city to view
places of Sir Chater’s interests; a cultural performance by the ‘Nane’ dance
ensemble from Armenia and students of the Armenian College and Philanthropic
Academy in Calcutta; the launching of Liz Chater’s biography on Sir Catchik
Paul Chater entitled “A Prominent Armenian From Calcutta and the Grand Old
Man of Hong Kong” and Henrik Terchonian’s book entitled “Life & Times of Sir
Catchik Paul Chater”; and a banquet dinner that concluded the commemorative
event.
Ms Liz Chater who compiled the genealogical history of the Chater family was
instrumental in gathering the descendants from around the globe for this
auspicious occasion. Also actively involved in the local organisation of
the memorial events were long time residents Mr and Mrs Jack and Julie
Maxian.
Also present among the pilgrims were Principals and student representatives
from La Martiniere School in Calcutta, Sir Catchik Chater’s alma mater.
When the School was facing financial crisis and the prospect of shutting
down, Sir Chatchik provided financial assistance to keep the School afloat.
To this day, the students remember their benefactor in the daily School
Prayer.
Sir Catchik Paul Chater’s legacy in Hong Kong is well documented however it
is his connection with the Armenian Community of Calcutta, India that
initiated this tribute. Sir Catchik bequeathed a considerable sum of money
in his will to the Armenian Church in Calcutta, a legacy that continues to
help maintain the upkeep of numerous Armenian institutions and facilities in
India today.
Sir Catchik Paul Chater (1846-1926) was revered in a manner befitting his
greatness in the pilgrimage that was entitled “Magnificent Man of All
Seasons”.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PRESS RELEASE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of Australia & New Zealand
10 Macquarie Street
Chatswood NSW 2067
AUSTRALIA
Contact: Laura Artinian
Tel: (02) 9419-8056
Fax: (02) 9904-8446
Email: [email protected]
7 June 2005
PRIMATE ELECTED PRESIDENT OF THE NSW ECUMENICAL COUNCIL
Sydney, Australia – On Saturday, 4 June 2005, Primate of the Diocese of the
Armenian Church of Australia and New Zealand, His Eminence Archbishop Aghan
Baliozian was elected President of the NSW Ecumenical Council (NSWEC) at the
2005 Annual General Meeting.
In a Rite of Commissioning, Archbishop Aghan was called to lead and
encourage the Council in its mission and its witness to the love of Christ.
The President of the NSWEC has the responsibility to preserve the integrity,
order and peace of the NSWEC; speak on public issues on behalf of the
Council; represent the Council on public occasions and preside over meetings
of the Council.
It is an honour and privilege for the Armenian Apostolic Church of Australia
to have the head of its Church serve in such a position of significance.
Archbishop Aghan Baliozian also served as the inaugural President of the
National Council of Churches in Australia from 1994-1997.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Agence France Presse
5 juin 2005 dimanche 4:08 PM GMT
Obiang gracie six pilotes arméniens condamnés pour une tentative de
coup d’Etat
MALABO
Le président équato-guinéen Teodoro Obiang Nguema a gracié à
l’occasion de la célébration de son 63ème anniversaire six pilotes
arméniens condamnés à 14 et 24 ans de prison pour la tentative de
coup d’Etat du 6 mars 2004, selon un décret lu dimanche à la radio
nationale.
Cette “remise totale de peine” concerne “les ressortissants arméniens
incarcérés à la prison centrale de Malabo”, indique le décret
présidentiel en date du 4 juin 2005, qui cite nommément les six
graciés.
Ces derniers devront “être mis à la disposition des autorités
compétentes qui réaliseront les démarches nécessaires à leur
rapatriement dans leur pays d’origine”, poursuit le décret qui
demande à l’admnistration pénitentiaire de procéder à “l’immédiate
mise en liberté des détenus”.
La mesure de grce a été prise dans un “esprit humanitaire” par le
président Obiang, à l’occasion de son 63ème anniversaire dimanche.
Trois des pilotes avaient été condamnés le 26 novembre à Malabo à 24
ans de prison et trois autres à 14 ans, en dépit de leurs
protestations d’innocence.
Le commandant de bord arménien Ashot Kerapetyan, le copilote Samuel
Darbinyan, le navigateur Samuel Matshkalyan, l’ingénieur de vol
Razmik Khachatryan, l’ingénieur d’aviation Ashot Simonyan, et le
technicien Suren Muradyan avaient été arrêtés le 6 mars 2004, en même
temps qu’un groupe de Sud-africains accusés d’être des mercenaires
préparant un coup d’Etat.
Les six hommes formaient l’équipage d’un avion d’une compagnie
arménienne, loué par l’allemand Gerhard Eugen Merz, lui aussi arrêté
le 6 mars et décédé quelques jours plus tard en détention.
Entre leur arrivée début janvier en Guinée équatoriale et le 6 mars,
l’avion et son équipage n’avaient effectué qu’un seul et mystérieux
vol vers la République démocratique du Congo (RDC) via la Zambie,
pour le compte de Triple Option, la société fondée à Malabo par le
sud-africain Nick du Toit, présenté comme le chef du groupe de
mercenaires et condamné à 34 ans de prison.
Les six Arméniens avaient affirmé à leur procès n’avoir su que
quelques jours avant leur comparution ce qu’il leur était reproché et
avaient tous assuré être totalement étrangers à une tentative de coup
d’Etat, dont le cerveau était, selon l’accusation, Severo Moto,
opposant en exil en Espagne, condamné par contumace à 63 ans de
prison.
Outre Nick du Toit, quatre Sud-Africains avaient été condamnés à 17
ans de prison. Leur avocat a annoncé samedi avoir déposé un recours
en annulation du jugement devant la Cour suprême. Trois autres
Sud-africains avaient été acquittés.
Selon l’accusation, le groupe de Malabo était censé guider vers des
points stratégiques un groupe de quelque 70 mercenaires devant
arriver d’Harare, sur l’aéroport duquel il avaient été arrêtés le 7
mars 2004 dans un avion en provenance d’Afrique du Sud.
Soixante-et-un d’entre eux, condamnés à 12 mois de prison à Harare,
ont été libérés mi-mai et expulsés vers l’Afrique du Sud.
Depuis l’arrivée au pouvoir par un coup d’Etat en 1979 du général
Obiang, né le 5 juin 1942 à Akoakam-Esangui dans le centre-est de la
partie continentale du pays, son anniversaire est chaque année férié
et considéré comme une fête nationale sur toute l’étendue du
territoire.
Les festivités de l’anniversaire présidentiel ont démarré dimanche
dès 06h00 (05H00 GMT) avec une manifestation “d’adhésion” de
plusieurs centaines des personnes, militants de l’hégémonique Parti
démocratique de Guinée équatoriale (PDGE) du président Obiang, de
fonctionnaires et d’employés du secteur privé.
Le général-président Obiang, “premier athlète” de Guinée équatoriale,
a participé dimanche à un marathon international auquel participaient
des coureurs de la sous-région.

Agence France Presse
4 juin 2005 samedi 4:22 PM GMT
L’avion des footballeurs macédoniens empêché d’aller en Arménie par
Ankara (journal)
SKOPJE 4 juin
L’avion transportant l’équipe macédonienne de football qui se rendait
en Arménie pour un match de qualification pour la Coupe du monde a
été empêché d’y atterrir par les autorités turques qui lui ont
interdit le survol de leur territoire, menaçant de l’abattre, a
affirmé samedi un journal macédonien.
L’appareil a été encadré par deux avions militaires turcs et s’est vu
refuser l’autorisation d’atterrir en Arménie voisine au moment où il
s’apprêtait à entamer sa descente, à 20 km de sa destination, a
affirmé le quotidien macédonien Utrinski Vesnik.
L’incident s’est produit jeudi, selon le journal. Les joueurs de
l’équipe macédonienne devaient disputer dimanche le match de
qualification pour la Coupe du monde les opposant aux Arméniens.
Le pilote a décidé de rebrousser chemin et de retourner à Skopje. Les
joueurs macédoniens ont dû, après cinq heures de vol, attendre encore
cinq heures à l’aéroport pendant que les discussions se poursuivaient
sur l’attitude à adopter après cet incident.
Epuisés et furieux, les membres de l’aquipe macédonienne ont demandé
à l’Union européenne de football (UEFA) d’annuler le match, mais les
dirigeants de l’UEFA ont décidé que le match prévu dimanche devait
avoir lieu.
Les autorités macédoniennes se sont plaintes auprès d’Ankara et de
Bruxelles.
A Istanbul, une source au ministère turc des Affaires étrangères a
confirmé que les autorités turques avaient demandé à l’avion de
rebrousser chemin, mais sans corroborer les informations sur des
avions de la chasse turque menaçant de l’abattre.
“Les autorités compétentes ont confirmé que l’avion en question est
entré dans l’espace aérien turc sans aucune autorisation. Elles lui
ont demandé un numéro d’autorisation de survol et le pilote a donné
un faux numéro. Il lui a alors été demandé de faire demi-tour. Le
pilote n’a pas non plus donné la raison de son vol vers l’Arménie.
Les autorités turques peuvent permettre exceptionnellement le survol
du territoire en l’absence d’autorisation de vol en cas de raison
sérieuse, mais ce n’était pas le cas”, a affirmé la source au
ministère.

Hamburger Abendblatt
6. Juni 2005
Kurzarbeit für Susi Kentikian;
BOXEN
Björn Jensen
Aschersleben/Hamburg – Es war wie immer in der noch kurzen
Profibox-Laufbahn der Susianna Kentikian. Auf der SES-Gala des
Magdeburger Promoters Ulf Steinforth in Aschersleben stieg die 17
Jahre alte Hamburgerin aus dem Spotlight-Stall zu ihrem fünften
Profikampf in den Ring – und nach nur 213 Sekunden schon wieder
heraus. Ihre zehn Jahre ältere Gegnerin Albena Atsewa aus Bulgarien
wurde nach harten Treffern aus dem Kampf genommen, die weiter
unbesiegte Kentikian durfte über den vierten Knockout-Sieg in Folge
jubeln.
Daß dieser Jubel verhalten ausfiel, spricht für die explosive
Fliegengewichtlerin. “Das war nicht die Leistung, die ich von mir
erwarte. Ich war zu hektisch”, analysierte sie selbstkritisch. Gern
hätte sie mehr gezeigt, “aber leider wollen meine Gegnerinnen oft
nicht weitermachen, wenn ich einen richtigen Treffer setze.” Die
Auswahl ihrer Kontrahentinnen will die Wandsbekerin, die in einigen
Medien schon als “Million Dollar Baby” gefeiert wurde, nicht
kritisieren. “Ich bin in der Aufbauphase. Die harten Gegnerinnen
kommen mit der Zeit. Ich muß noch viel lernen, und jeder Kampf bringt
mich weiter.”
Kämpfen hat die Armenierin, die 1996 mit ihrer Familie als
Kriegsflüchtling nach Hamburg kam, früh gelernt. Nach 20
Amateurfights wechselte sie im Januar dieses Jahres ins Profilager –
und fühlt sich dort bereits zu Hause. “Die wichtigste Änderung ist,
daß ich viele neue Fans gewonnen habe”, sagt sie. Diese neue
Bekanntheit war auch von Vorteil, als ihre psychisch kranke Mutter
Makruhi vor einigen Wochen verschwunden war. Durch
Vermißten-Meldungen in vielen Hamburger Medien wurde die
Öffentlichkeit in die Suche einbezogen, nach nur 24 Stunden war die
Mama wieder im Kreise der Familie. “Wir lassen sie jetzt keine Minute
mehr allein, aus diesem Schock haben wir gelernt”, sagt Susi.
Lernen muß die Schülerin der Berufsfachschule für Ernährung und
Hauswirtschaft auch in den kommenden drei Wochen. Im Restaurant
“Lukullion” absolviert sie ihr Betriebspraktikum. “Darauf freue ich
mich”, sagt sie. Auch wenn die Arbeit länger dauern wird als 213
Sekunden … (bj)
* In Aschersleben siegten auch die Spotlight-Boxer Enad Licina
(Cruiser, T. k. o. Runde zwei gegen den Weißrussen Solomka) und
Mahamet Ali (Halbschwer, T. k. o. Runde eins gegen den Ungarn
Geregely). Licina war für Pavel Melkomian eingesprungen, der sich
einen Bandscheiben-Einriß zugezogen hat.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette (Little Rock)
June 5, 2005 Sunday
ListenUp Mezmerize No down time on CD for System’s new noggin pounder
A- System of a Down Mezmerize American It takes 63 seconds for System
of a Down to hit its stride on Mezmerize. Long enough for Daron
Malakian to strum an acoustic guitar. Long enough to croon alongside
Serj Tankian and welcome us to “the soldier side” where “people all
grow up to die.”
Consider that your in-flight warning, because Mezmerize is gonna
pound your noggin for the next 35 minutes.
System of a Down doesn’t waste a moment of tape. There isn’t time.
Too many riffs to bash out. Too many Armenian folk melodies to
cuddle. Too many wars committed by presidents “dancing in the desert,
blowing up the sunshine.” Gotta keep it going, gotta keep it moving.
Can’t slow down. More coffee at Table 5, please. Even the song titles
behave like a channel flicker. Click: “Radio/Video.” Click: “Violent
Pornography.” Click: “Question!” The band is incapable of letting up.
Mezmerize is the first in a two-disc set. Its brother, Hypnotize, is
due in the fall. Ought to give us plenty of time to come down from
the caffeine rush of Part 1.
– JEREMY M. DOHERTY BMike Jones Who Is Mike Jones
Swishahouse/Asylum/Warner Bros.
There are several annoying components to the Mike Jones (who?!)
phenomenon. The incessant bellowing of his name and phone number, his
nasally tone and the fact he always conducts interviews with an
iced-out grill piece that’s far too big for him and makes him sound
stupid. But, after checking out his major label debut, there’s a lot
more to like than loathe about this Clutch City native.
Who Is Mike Jones is a quaint collection of modest rhymes and dreams
fulfilled. Mike Jones credits his late grandmother with encouraging
him to stay on his grind and never give up on his dreams of becoming
a hip-hop star. The first single, “Still Tippin” features Paul Wall
and Slim Thug and rumbled through the underground and eventually
found light on MTV and BET.
It’s nearly impossible not to lean back in your seat and smile as you
crank up tracks like the amusing “Cuttin” remix and the
soon-to-be-Dirty South rida anthem “What Ya Know About.” The final
cut is a tribute to Jones’ grandmother that wraps up this project
nicely.
– SHON MCPEACE B- Various artists American Idol Season 4 The
Showstoppers RCA Records What’s really good about AI’s newest
compilation? What you’d expect: Carrie Underwood, whose version of
Martina McBride’s “Independence Day” proves that the Idol can most
certainly be country. Bo Bice, whose version of Gavin DeGraw’s “I
Don’t Wanna Be” sounds far more authentic musically than the
original. Nadia Turner’s gorgeous and understated “You Don’t Have to
Say You Love Me.” Constantine Maroulis’ jazz club jam version of “My
Funny Valentine,” though I’m still pining for a recording of his
“Bohemian Rhapsody.”
What’s really bad? Anthony Federov’s “Everytime You Go Away” proves
that the intersection of rhythm, cadence and emotion that made this
Paul Young classic stick in the head still escapes Federov (and
please get this version out of my head). And if it wasn’t enough that
she managed to be annoying in the liner notes, Mikalah Gordon’s
studio version of “God Bless the Child” (which wasn’t terrible live)
proves that the young Gordon doesn’t grasp its meaning.
Everything else? Average to good, but not really showstopping.
– BRENDA LOOPE R A- Shelby Lynne Suit Yourself Capitol One of the
strengths of Shelby Lynne’s last record, 2003’s Identity Crisis, was
the stripped-down sound and simple arrangements that allowed her
haunting and emotional voice to shine. That album had a living room
intimacy, a feeling that continues on this even better set. The sound
is still warm, essentially acoustic and restrained. The band includes
musicians from the Wallflowers and Tom Petty’s Heartbreakers. The
mood shifts from the reflective melancholy of tracks such as “I Cry
Everyday” to the wonderful Johnny Cash-June Carter tribute “When
Johnny Met June” (written the day Cash died) and the wonderful “Go
With It,” which kicks the album off in high gear with
Americana-textured electric guitar. But that burst (and the short but
lively “You and We”) are additions to the soulful, almost
closing-time-inthe-jazz/blues club feel. Her version of Tony Joe
White’s “Rainy Night in Georgia” is a wonder.
– ELLIS WIDNE R