{"product_id":"bourj-hammoud-groove","title":"Bourj Hammoud Groove","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOne of the most distinctive voices to emerge from Beirut’s Armenian community: Ara Kekedjian.  From his infectious arrangements, his catchy melody lines to his dapper looks: Born in 1946 in Bourj Hammoud, Lebanon, Ara became a central figure in the Armenian pop scene of the 1960s and 70s. With his mix of Armenian rhythms, hard-hitting drums, funky guitars, and charismatic stage presence, he carved out a bold sound in Estradayin (Armenian) pop rock.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn the 1970s, the Beirut suburb Bourj Hammoud became a hub of creativity and it was home to countless labels, record shops, and venues. Among this vibrant scene, Ara’s records stand out for their energy and inventiveness. Unlike many classically trained singers of his generation, Ara’s delivery was new and playful. Tracks like Seta Seta and Ghapama showcase his talent for turning familiar melodies into driving, dance-floor grooves. His performances across Beirut and the region often electrifying crowds with theatrical guitar and organ solos cemented his reputation as a showman and\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"bcTruncateMore\"\u003e innovator.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCompiled by Habibi Funk in collaboration with Darone Sassounian of Rocky Hill Records (who first introduced many to Armenian sounds with his Silk Road compilation). \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Habibi Funk Records","offers":[{"title":"LP - Black","offer_id":53639829651787,"sku":"R1898-4320","price":23.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"CD","offer_id":53639829684555,"sku":"R1898-2968","price":13.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/a3296700033_16.jpg?v=1760702343","url":"https:\/\/shop.roughtrade.com\/de\/products\/bourj-hammoud-groove","provider":"Rough Trade","version":"1.0","type":"link"}