Fantaseo, their latest project, features the usual tasteful doses of both cultures, although there are more examples of the tell-tale Latin influence of Jorge Strunz, who composed eight of the nine tunes (the opening track and "El Papelote" come to mind as being 100% Strunz material) than there are of his esteemed partner Ardeshir Farah, although the latter’s presence on the title track and "Navayeh Roosta" is quite prominent. Actually, I’ve found that to be the case with most of their projects, some more than others. Still, it is quite obvious that each extracts from the other the excellence needed for such a successful and unique pairing of talents. For example, you are very much aware of Farah’s presence even on the Strunz-penned Latin pieces. So it is that, after over 20 prolific years together, the excellence still prevails while these guitar masters continue to make it all look so easy. Viva Strunz & Farah!
09 May
Fantaseo by Strunz & Farah
- Written by Ronald Jackson
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Strunz and Farah have proved time and again why they are widely regarded as pioneers and the epitome of world acoustic fusion and intriguing diversity. They have been together for over 20 years, mastering the musical culture mix from the very beginning. The duo hails from Costa Rica and Iran respectively and, at first glance, would seem to make for strange bedfellows (Middle Eastern and Latin music??). Well, one listen, and I believe you would be hard-pressed to ignore the ingenuity and beauty of this magnificent collaboration. Being the proud owner of several of the duo’s albums (Americas, Heat of the Sun, and Primal Magic happen to be among my favorites), I honestly speak from the heart and with some knowledge of their remarkable compositions and concepts.
Additional Info
- Artist / Group Name: Strunz & Farah
- CD Title: Fantaseo
- Genre: Fusion
- Year Released: 2006
- Record Label: Selva
- Tracks: Pasitos, Bello Mundo, Fantaseo, Southern Seas, Azure, Fortuneteller, Navayeh Roosta, El Papelote, Luxuriance
- Musicians: Jorge Strunz (Spanish guitar, synth pads, ronroco, cymbals, cittern), Ardeshir Farah (Spanish and steel string guitars), Hubert Laws (flute), Eliseo Borrero and Carlitos del Puerto (basses); Jimmy Branly (drums, cajon, percussion), Joey de Leon (Afrolatin percussion), Charlie Bisharat (violin), Majeed Ghorbanian (Middle Eastern percussion), Gary Meek (soprano sax), Ararat Petrossian (shvi), Cassio Duarte (Brazilian percussion)
- Label Website: -
- Rating: Four Stars
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