A Fable (album) cover

A Fable (album)

Tigran Hamasyan · 2011

51 min · 13 tracks · jazz

A fusion of Armenian folk melodies and contemporary jazz, weaving intricate rhythms with hauntingly beautiful piano lines.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    What the Waves Brought — This track exemplifies Hamasyan's ability to merge complex time signatures with lyrical melodies, creating an immersive listening experience that captures the essence of the album.
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    Samsara — Samsara stands out for its dynamic shifts and emotional intensity, showcasing Hamasyan's virtuosity while reflecting on the cyclical nature of life—a core theme of the album.
  • →
    Carnaval — This track highlights Hamasyan’s playful yet intricate approach to composition, blending rhythmic complexity with a joyous spirit that makes it memorable and engaging.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
71 /100
Alpine
Higher than 95% of albums we've rated

The album blends intricate rhythms with folk melodies, showcasing a unique compositional voice within jazz.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks incorporate traditional Armenian motifs, which are seamlessly integrated into contemporary jazz structures.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
8/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • long, immersive listening sessions
  • gradual builds and payoffs
  • atmospheric background focus

Where this album fits

Career context
In 2011, Tigran Hamasyan was emerging as a significant voice in the jazz world with 'A Fable,' his third studio album. This release followed his acclaimed album 'Mockroot' and showcased his unique style that blends traditional Armenian music with modern jazz elements, solidifying his reputation as an innovative composer and pianist.
Stylistic neighbors
Vijay Iyer· Hiatus Kaiyote· Brad Mehldau

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Rain Shadow 1:36
  • 2 What the Waves Brought 6:32
  • 3 The Spinners 3:00
  • 4 Illusion 1:31
  • 5 Samsara 5:36
  • 6 Longing 5:07
  • 7 Carnaval 2:46
  • 8 The Legend of the Moon 5:33
  • 9 Someday My Prince Will Come 3:41
  • 10 Kakavik (The Little Partridge) 5:57
  • 11 A Memory That Become a Dream 2:40
  • 12 A Fable 5:07
  • 13 Mother, Where Are You? 2:25

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata