(June 2, 2023) - "It was recorded live," said Jazz keyboardist Vahagn Stepanyan about the music video for his new single "Synergy" that premiered in Times Square. "When you are working with these extraordinary talents...you have to impress to show your talent."

The "Synergy" single is from his new album "A New Chapter." The project features platinum selling saxophonist Dave Koz; Grammy nominated Mark Lettieri (Snarky Puppy)' bass player Ida Nielsen (Prince); Grammy nominated guitarist Greg Howe (Snarky Puppy); 11-time Grammy winning trumpeter Philip Lassiter (Ariana Grande); bass player Anthony Crawford; guitarist Roy Ziv; guitarist Feodor Dosumov (Chaka Kahn); guitarist Melvin Lee Davis (George Benson); drummer Cleverson Silva; bass player Isai Romero; guitarist Wojtek Pilichowski, and drummer Eric Moore. It is co-produced by Grammy winning Kitt Wakely.

"It has always been a dream (to work with Dave Koz)," Vahagn said when I asked. "His (album) was the first album I had as a kid. I still have the CD - Dave Koz - I never imagined (working with him)."

Stepanyan was a 10-year-old boy in war torn Armenia when he told his piano teacher that one day he was going to play with Jazz/Gospel icons. A year and a half after relocating to Los Angeles his dream was realized as he started to perform with world-class musicians, producers, and engineers for his "A New Chapter" album. A classically trained keyboardist he sold songs to Armenian artists and was a familiar figure playing in Jazz clubs. Today not only does Stepanyan write songs for others and himself, but he is also a producer, arranger, and film and television composer.

"My first album was passed to Dave." He told me. "He liked it. I was sent a picture with him holding my CD! I heard he aired my track (on his radio show). That was five years ago. He said he wondered if I could collaborate."

He has garnered a Akademia Music Award ("Best Jazz Songs"), a Global Music Award, and a Hollywood Independent Music Award nomination. He is also fluent in R&B, Gospel and Funk. The "A New Chapter" album offers eight tracks.

"The album took a lot of energy to make," Vahagn said. "Some of the musicians don't speak English. "Every 10 days a new song with video will be released. Doors will open with this album." www.VahagnStepanyan.com