Album Notes

Singer/songwriter/guitarist Helen Avakian cultivates an idiosyncratic, often dreamy sound, with influences ranging from Suzanne Vega to JS Bach via new age guitarist Ralph Towner. Helen's impressive musicianship coupled with her down to earth stage manner has endeared her to an ever-increasing audience. "One of our favorite singer/songwriters" says WDST music director Roger Menell. "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 posess," 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!"

Her just released CD, Vanishing Point, has already been voted Favorite Recording in Rhythm and News magazine, where Helen also won Favorite Acoustic Act for the third year 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.

Reflecting Helen's attraction to less commonly explored territory, the album 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, (whose credits include Keith Richards, James Taylor, Dave Brubeck, Leslie Ritter/Scott Petito), Vanishing Point ventures from simple acoustic numbers to full band productions.