Fantaseo: another guitar gift from Strunz and Farah
Anthony Keith Forkush | Los Angeles | 10/25/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The new Strunz and Farah CD "Fantaseo" has just been released from their own Selva label. This is without a doubt one of their most beautiful and seasoned recordings. They show a unity of heart and mind that is totally rare and the province of very few artists in any genre. I recommend it highly and without reservation.
The first cut, "Pasitos" (little steps) seems based on a kind of guajira rhythm, but feels quite Argentine or Cuban. The use of acoustic bass (played brilliantly by Carlitos Del Puerto) adds a deep bottom to the ensemble. Percussionist Joey DeLeon on Congas and Bongos is aided and abetted by the outrageous Cajon playing of Jimmy Branly, Cuban wunderkind percussionist extraordinaire. On violin, as always, the inestimable Charlie Bisharat adds sway and color. The Maldonado guitars are living wood in the hands of the guys.
"Bello Mundo" (Beautiful World) is a Spanish influenced ride through beautiful vistas and moods, wind swept and lush. Strunz has one of his finest solo moments on this piece and, as always, is complemented by the tender hearted Farah. The title piece "Fantaseo" has Farah using steel string and Majid Ghorbanian on Dombak adds drum flavor. The piece has a decidedly Spanish/Gypsy/Middle Eastern mystery to it.
The CD takes a rather remarkable turn at this point. "Southern Seas" is an homage to the beauty and verdance of lush Costa Rica, Jorge Strunz's country of origin. It has a decidedly Andean/South American jungle feel which has Strunz playing a devastating solo. The selection ends with the sound of Costa Rica's great symbol: the birdcalls of that nation.
With "Azure" Jorge Strunz has come full circle to his earliest days with Caldera. This is a piece he had wanted to record for some time with Ardeshir and finally it has seen the light of day. Again, Strunz plays a moody solo that is masterful in its use of space, shade and melody. Gary Meek is fine on Soprano Sax.
We move to the Middle East now with "Fortuneteller", with Farah's other steel string entry. We then arrive at perhaps one of the highlights of Ardeshir Farah's composing career "Navayeh Roosta", a Persian influenced ride almost Medeival in style. Armenian Shvi player Arrarat Petrosian is stunning on this remarkable instrument, a kind of penny whistle with soul. What a piece of music! "El Papelote" has a kind of Venezuelan heartbeat and reminds us again of the brilliance of Jorge Strunz as a composer. The pristine beauty of the Americas and the innocence of nature overall continue to be Jorge's muse. Hubert Laws makes a nice guest appearance on the final cut "Luxuriance" to close out the recording.
This is a seminal work of masters of the guitar who continue to create music that is highly inspired and deeply beautiful. A one of a kind recording"
The usual - excellent!
R. Aching | Miami, Florida United States | 03/08/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I buy their stuff blind because I am never disappointed and always pleased and amazed as to what next can they possibly come up with."
Track Listings (9) - Disc #1