Stringweave

Strunz & Farah

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 22, 2001)
• Original Release Date: May 22, 2001
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Selva Records
• ASIN: B00005BI1T
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #218,090 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Over the last two decades, acoustic six-stringers Jorge Strunz and Ardeshir Farah have pushed the boundaries of Latin guitar fusion, from the subdued nocturnal improvisations of Misterio to the scorching fretboard displays of Primal Magic. The past few years have seen the group, and principal songwriter Strunz, mellow out a bit with age, but the results have still been gratifying. Fans of their up-tempo, early '90s efforts will be pleased to learn that Stringweave picks up in the energy department while further integrating their Middle Eastern influences into the music. Many of the new songs are reminiscent of their magnificent 1982 debut Mosaico, most notably on the animated "Gypsy in the Wood" and the hypnotic, pulsating "Shamsa." Both tracks spotlight awe-inspiring fingerwork and beguiling guitar/violin harmonies and tradeoffs.

As ever, the group's music combines the fire of flamenco with the free-flowing improvisation of jazz and striking Afro-Latin and Middle Eastern rhythms. This latest S&F disc also features renowned guest musicians including South Indian violinist L. Subramaniam, classical guitarist Liona Boyd, Puerto Rican cuatro player Edwin Colon Zayas, and Persian violinist Bijan Mortazavi. Rich with percussion and numerous fretted string instruments (hence the title), Stringweave is easily Strunz & Farah's best album since 1992's ground-breaking, Grammy-nominated Americas. --Bryan Reesman

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Among Strunz and Farah's finest, June 3, 2001

By A Customer

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.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Complex, beautiful, melodic, May 23, 2001

By	Akiyoshi Iida (San Francisco, CA United States) - See all my reviews

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.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wise man say not exactly like the other albums, May 8, 2002

By	Nas "Schwann cells rock!" (Bethesda, MD USA) - See all my reviews

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.