Customer Reviews

Stringweave

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The worlds best latin guitar duo is back with fresh sound, killer grooves and brilliant melodies. These fierce ones of the guitar have successfully intertwined the sophisticated and jazzy sounds of their previous record "Wild Muse" with the straight-forward and rhythm based elements of "Heat of the Sun". What was once simple melodies are now brilliantly developed melodies that sing and have a deeper meaning. The rythms used to flow from the percussion section; now they flow from the guitars. This fine balance is achieved by focusing more on guitar parts and hand percussion rather than a full ensemble. As usual, the solos are masterful but it is clearly obvious that Ardeshir Farah is stretching his improvisational abilities to the Nth degree. Not only that, but his two contributions to this record are two fabulous compositions, arguably among his best. The special guest stars shine with their unique abilities. The only reason this CD rates 4 stars is because Liona Boyd's star doesn't shine at all. She is evidently outclassed by musicians that come from a very different background. Unlike the other pieces where the guest artist elevates the musical mood to a higher level, Liona manages to sound redundant and inexpressive. Still, Liona's shadow is not big enough to overcloud the piece, let alone the record. Stringweave at this point is the pinnacle of Strunz and Farah's virtuosity, experimenting with new rhythms and expanding on by-now familiar ones. Other aspiring guitar duos such as Lara and Reyes have a lot of listening and learning to do with this record. Stringweave doesn't only refer to the osmosis of stringed instruments but also to the marriage of man and instrument. With this record Strunz and Farah accomplish both.

Strunz and Farah have done it again! The compositions on this album are more complex, yet relaxed... with most of their focus on the melodies, and harmonies, rather than on their lighting speed solos (of which you will find plenty of on this album). The variety of instruments used in this album and the different compositions, keep this album interesting from the first song to the last (it won't feel like you are listening to the same song the whole time). The tempo on most songs on this album are faster than Wild Muse, while at the same time really melodic. Give it a try.

While I do agree that many Strunz and Farrah songs can be hard to distinguish due to their blistering arpeggios and chord progressions,this album has one distinct difference from most of their other albums. In particular,the last 3 songs definitely have more of a Persian/Middle Eastern sound. I often wondered why their songs never really leaned towards this sound since Farrah is from Iran. So, if one were to say more of the same, they simply haven't listened intently all the way through to find these last three songs. I guess you have to give Strunz and Farrah some slack for not coming up with something all that new. I mean, what haven't they done with 2 hands, 10 fingers, 6 strings, and a pile of cedar and rosewood? People still cheer for a home run, tuchdown, goal, or a hole in one, right? Haven't we seen it all before? A hamburger is a hamburger. A pizza is a pizza. The pleasure is to be alive and able to percieve it again. This album is just that--a pleasure--with a new twist mind you! So...say hello to your old friends Strunz and Farrah once more.

This CD is just stunning! Great variety of styles & moods, and even more intricate compositions than any previous albums of Strunz & Farah. Every cut is great but Campera, Ecos and Siluera are just exquisite compositions! Listen closely to what the other guitar is doing while the lead is playing - extra little intricate touches that enhance the incredible runs (often at unbelievable speed & complexity)of the lead. But the speed is not just showboating - it perfectly fits the mood and movement of the piece, a wonderful counterpoint to the recurring theme or a lightly stummed chord or a few slowly picked strings. These guys blow me away! I can listen over and over to the CD and never get tired of hearing the incredible skill & passion this music holds. Lots of variety - some pieces have a definite Euro flavor (maybe French almost), others more Spanish/Latin American and the last 2 cuts are very Middle Eastern w/ great accompaniments by musicians on instruments of the region. I have to say this CD is a Masterpiece! Different from earlier ones - the guitars are much more up front & the percussion more subdued - enhancing rather than molding the piece. My favorite for over a year now - I listen to it at least once a week!

Beautiful music. A bit new agey for my taste but much more soulful than Ottmar Leibert or any of the others out there who have been obviously influenced by these guys. You will not be disappointed.

Strunz and Farah are a marvelous fusion of beauty, energy and styles. In Stringweave, they bring it all together again. I have listened to this album almost every day since I got it, and I just like it better each time.

These guitar virtuosos surely know the territory. They are truly expert guitarists and talented in the construction of songs as well. Their expertise shines forth in Stringweave, which ranks right up there with Heat of the Sun and Americas. I have six Strunz and Farah albums so far and this is one of the better ones in my opinion. But none that I have come across are bad. No, you can expect great things from these artists. I have Rio De Colores, Zona Torrida, Americas, Heat of the Sun, Wild Muse, and this title. If you are new to Strunz and Farah make sure you get Americas and Heat of the Sun. If you can get more than those two get Stringweave and any other title that I mentioned. They are all great, but Americas and Heat of the Sun stand out to me as being slightly better than the rest. Happy hunting!

I'm going to be liberal and give this 5 stars, only because Jorge and Ardeshir are such talented guitarists, and anyone new to their music should be duly impressed. But I think it's time they started thinking outside the box they've built.

The other day, as I was strolling through our annual downtown street fair, my ears perked up to a familiar sound. "Could it be ?" I thought. "Could that be Strunz and Farah here on our grubby downtown streets, playing the carnival circuit?" Well, of course, it wasn't. Rather, some experienced musicians had made themselves in the image of S & F and were busy selling CDs like hotcakes to the rubes who gaped at an amazingly cool Flamenco/Latin sound being layed down by two groovy long-haired ex-rocker guitarists, two groovy Latin-looking percussionists and a computer-generated bass. I wanted to shout "haven't any of you turkeys ever heard of Strunz and Farah?" Fortunately, I didn't.

As I stood there listening with a mixture of admiration, jealousy and disdain, it ocurred to me how easy it is to reproduce the Flamenco/Latin/World Beat formula. Acoustic guitars with the right touch of echo/reverb, Flamenco style chord progressions, smooth solos, a computerized Latin-rhythm bass line, some congas and you're there. There was nothing impressive about the playing, but it was all very upbeat and nice and kind of "romantico." And I bet I could take four competent high-school musicians and create a similar effect. (Of course, they wouldn't have the seasoned look and stage presence.)

My point is, now that any Tom, Dick, and Harry can easily copy the style and sound that Strunz and Farah created, I think they might want to consider moving on. "Stringweave" is, as usual, a fine collection of easy-listening, pleasantly stimulating, technically impressive pieces, but there isn't a lot of innovation going on. If you own "The Best of Strunz and Farah" you have already heard what they can do.

Come on guys, show us what else you've got.

This Strunz & Farah release is a masterpiece! The guitar work, as usual, is drop dead beautiful and technically inspiring, and their backup band is tight as tight can be! There is not one boring cut on this release. I cannot stop listening to it. And to boot, this CD was done in HDCD, and the sound is pristine and dynamic. Who needs SACD when HDCD sounds THIS good!!! I am hoping Strunz & Farah release a DVD one day.

The guitar work on this CD and all of their CDs is good. However, they all sound alike.
Nothing new.
I give it two stars for the technical guitar work.
It is full of clichés in percussions and over all guitar melodies.