Singer/songwriter/guitarist Helen Avakian cultivates "a courageously
idiosyncratic sound, a warm, lacy realm of reality and romance." Helen's
impressive musicianship coupled with her down to earth stage manner has
endeared her to an ever-increasing audience. "Meshes her classical guitar
roots with a songwriting style that adds a new dimension to the realm of
acoustic performers; Helen Avakian has developed a songwriting talent which
few possess," says Rhythm and News Magazine.
Performance credits range from appearances at Lincoln Center and public
television to New York city street corners and cafes. Reviewers praise her
"instinctive sense for songwriting...an exceptional voice over just as
exceptional guitar playing" (Southern Dutchess News) and More Sugar contends
"You will come away from one of her performances with a feeling that you
have just seen a rising star. Extremely inspiring!"
Helen's CD, Vanishing Point, was voted "Favorite Recording" in
Rhythm and
News magazine, where Helen also won "Favorite Acoustic Act" four times in a row.
The album project originally began as a winter single "Mistletoe Blues,"
which became a local radio favorite and went on to receive AAA play around the
US.
Another song was featured on the "Great Strings, Great Music" compilation
from Elixir Guitar Strings. In December 2003 Helen was honored to have her song
"Christmas Tree" featured on the Ho Ho Ho Spice holiday compilation, alongside
work by Stewart Copeland of the Police, Better than Ezra, Graham Parker and
other artists.
Reflecting Helen's attraction to less commonly explored territory, Vanishing
Point includes a song to a spider in a prison cell, a song from a spirit
observing the struggles of her best friend, and a new-age-meets-Celtic
instrumental
tribute to guitarist Jimmy Page. Co-produced with mega-talent Scott Petito,
Vanishing Point ventures from simple acoustic numbers to full band productions.
Helen Avakian plays a Taylor 714CE, and exclusively endorses Elixir guitar
strings.
Helen returned to her classical background with her latest CD of classical
guitar duets recorded with internationally performed composer/classical
guitarist, Terry Champlin.