Career beginnings

At the age of 15, Armstrong joined the regional rock band The Gears, recording two singles under the Counterpart and Hillside Record labels, respectively.^[29] Armstrong also joined and toured with the rock and R&B band Annie Oakley.^[30]

During the late 60's and early 70's, Armstrong was greatly influenced by the civil and equal rights movements and anti-Vietnam War demonstrations.^[3]

Do’a/Do’ah (1974–1991)

In 1973, Armstrong moved to New Hampshire and in 1974,^[31] met classically trained flute player Ken LaRoche and with him formed the music group Do’a (a Persian word meaning "a call to prayer and meditation").^[32][33][34] Armstrong and LaRoche composed and recorded music that fused western classical, jazz and folk music traditions with music influences and instruments around the world. They were signed to a four-album contract with Philo Records distributed by Rounder Records.^[35][32][36]

In 1986, Do’a World Music Ensemble received official recognition from the United Nations for their concert tour promoting the International Year of Peace.^{[37][38][39][40]}

In 1989, their album World Dance, which was published on the Global Pacific/CBS Associated label, reached the Top 10 on the Billboard chart for New Age music.^[15][16]

Unu Mondo (1992–1998)

In 1992, Armstrong co-founded the Contemporary Jazz / World Fusion music group, Unu Mondo with bassist and composer Volker Nahrmann.^{[1][41][42][43]} In 1994 their album, Hand in Hand^[44] was released and featured vocals from Spanish singer Olga Román,^[13] saxophone player Charlie Jennison and Brazilian drummer, Henrique De Almeida.^[45] Unu Mondo appeared on the compilation albums, World Visions – The Rhythms, Ageless Pathway and Enlightened Minds released by Global Pacific Records in 1996. The ensemble toured throughout United States.^[42]

Randy Armstrong Trio and other groups (1998–2015)

In 1998 through 2000, Armstrong was commissioned to score and record the original soundtrack for the PBS television series, Dinner on the Diner, filmed in South Africa, Spain, Scotland and Southeast Asia (Thailand and Malaysia).^{[23][46][47][48]} Armstrong’s soundtrack for the series was released by Ellipsis Arts in 2000.^[49] After returning from a trip to Italy in 2001, Armstrong recorded his solo guitar album, No Regrets, originally released by UMP Records in 2002 and subsequently re-released by the Los Angeles-based Domo Record label in 2003.^[50][51][52]

Armstrong formed the Randy Armstrong Trio and World Fusion Ensemble with fellow musicians bassist Volker Nahrmann; drummer Jose Roman Duque; African drummer/dancer Theo Nii Martey and Shamou on world percussion and vocals.^[52][53]

Beyond Borders (2015–present)

In 2015, Armstrong formed the Beyond Borders octet with bassist, keyboardist and composer Volker Nahrmann.^[54] They recorded the album Beyond Borders, which was released on the UMP label.^[13][55]

The album Beyond Borders was nominated for Best World Album by the 2015 ZMR Music Awards.^[56]

After returning from a tour in South Africa with the all-women’s chorus, Voices From The Heart in 2018, Armstrong commissioned a handmade set of South African marimbas and formed Randy Armstrong and WorldBeat Marimba in 2019.^[57]

In 2023, Randy Armstrong & WorldBeat Marimba received the Best of NH 2023 “Ambassadors of Peace” award by New Hampshire Magazine.^[58]

Solo and Ensembles

Compilations

Collaborations/Accompanist

Selected Film, Video, Television Scores

Selected Theatre & Dance Scores