Aram Bajakian

Aram’s debut record, Aram Bajakian’s Kef, will be released on John Zorn’s Tzadik label on July 26th as part of their new Spotlight series.


Brooklyn based guitarist Aram Bajakian started performing at the age of ten, emulating Jimmy Pages “Dazed and Confused” violin bow on guitar cacophony at the Fifth Grade talent show.

Since then Bajakian has performed/recorded with Lou Reed, Grammy winner Yusef Lateef, Marc Ribot, James Carter, Steven Bernstein, Billy Martin, Kenny Wollenson, Jamaaladeen Tacuma, Mat Maneri, Sean Noonan, Darius Jones, Mike Pride, Calvin Weston, Dougie Bownes, Andrea Parkins, Abdoulaye Diabate, Iranian-American Songstress Haale, Can Singer Malcolm Mooney, and Hugh Masekela.

Drawing inspiration from a variety of musical cultures and styles, Bajakian’s study of music has brought him to West Africa, India and Morocco. He has performed in some of New York City’s greatest venues, including Town Hall, Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center, Prospect Park Bandshell, the Stone, Joe’s Pub and the Living Room.

Bajakian leads several of his own groups, including Kef, a chamber string trio that plays arrangements of traditional Armenian Songs, “Beat Down”, an Afro Punk Ensemble, and “Killing Floor,” a blues/RnB Project.

Bajakian also plays with Bhakti, a Kirtan band, and regularly performs with Can singer Malcolm Mooney’s group, as well as various songwriters around the city.