"... always provocative" Amiri Baraka "The cerebral exchange between Algarin and Balgochian is striking and unexpectedly harmonious as they delve into the twisted realm of the subconscious mind....Balgochian’s exploration of the underbelly of the bass is a study in the flexibility of the instrument and its alter-ego to depict the world of the dark and mysterious psyche. Algarín is equally provocative, as he vents about the ails of society and the contradictions that procure prejudices to thrive in cultures...an experimental expression of music and lyrics as the bass feeds off of the words and vice versa...Scholars have argued that there are two basic struggles in life, man vs. man and man vs. nature. In Algarin and Balgochian’s belief system there is one struggle to face and that is man vs. his own nature. Their album means to make other’s aware of themselves." Susan Frances - Jazz Review.com "Algarin's expressive poetry, spoken by the poet himself, is accompanied by the bends, squeals and percussive sounds of Balgochian's bass in a cohesive aural fusion of New York and world-wide life and experiences. Algarin's story leaps from the speakers...a living picture...Balgochian is a magician of the bass, conjuring vibrato-ed harmonics and groaning slides from his instrument that echo both the avant-garde string quartet of the German composer Von Biehl, and Hendrix himself. "Soul to Sol" is sonically challenging and pleasing. Miguel Algarin and Albey Balgochian have recorded an album that contains plentiful reminders of what it is to be free as an individual, and to have the freedom to express what you will how you will." Simon Harper - Jazz Times "Soul to Sol,"the premiere release on the Ruby Flower Records label from Nuyorican Poet Miguel Algarín and Bassist Albey Balgochian, marks an important innovation in this their first duo release of spoken word and improvised bass. The multi-lingual spoken word of Algarin slowly and deliberately conjures visions while baring emotions, sharing his life experiences from New York's Lower East Side with Miguel Pinero, William Burroughs and Alan Ginsberg, as he develops a deep rhythmic and lyrical cadence from the spirit that is at the center of his love for all things involving culture, a mood that remains constant throughout the cd. Bassist Albey Balgochian clearly demonstrates his virtuoso technique while revealing a perceptive insight into the expansive nature of his instrument as he strikes down the status quo of inconsequentially compartmentalized music genres. Noted Puerto Rican scholar Miguel Algarín is one of the most prolific, creative and influential literary figures in the US and Latin America. Although highly visible as an educator, he is perhaps best known as one of the founding fathers of the Puerto Rican poetic movement that emerged in New York City in the 1960's and 1970's, as well as founding the Nuyorican Poets Cafe. Educated in New York, he developed a love and understanding of the works of Shakespeare eventually becoming a Professor of Shakespeare, Creative Writing and United States Ethnic Literature at Rutgers University. To date he has written ten volumes of poetry, four stage plays, received three American Book Awards, and continues to performs his works. "Algarín's poetry takes the reader through an intimate, autobiographical journey that spans his entire life." Arte Publico Press "Algarín's ability to bring forth the immediacy of current events through his poetic soundscapes delivers an ouevre that celebrates the "newness" with an undying reverence for literary and oratory traditions." Oscar Bermeo, Poet & Author Relentlessly pursuing his love for the bass, Albey Balgochian has captured the pure essence of soul in this masterful work. Synchronistically introspective and extrospective, he explores self-expression, uncovering sounds of profound beauty. He ventures out beyond musical constraints, bending notes inside out, making them talk, sing and squeal. Most often melodic, each piece tells a short story, invoking images of animated characters as he captivates you with rhythmic, harmonic, melodic and percussive variations of strings and wood and fingers and bows and silence. Drawing from his vast musical roots, Balgochian's musical inspiration is the conversation of life's colors, textures, sounds and emotions, known and unknown. "Be prepared to go places you've never been before" Bass Inside Mag Best Performances '05 & '09 Cecil Taylor Trio & Big Band All About Jazz "he's all over the music like a man with the most vibrant lust for life" Nic Jones, All about Jazz