Midnight at the Basilica - Shahin & Sepehr, Shahida, Shahin
Return to Manhattan
This outing from the guitar duo (backed by a host of other instruments, including several winds and percussion) has an intimate flavor, as suggested by the title; one could easily imagine Shahin and Sepehr (with guitars) i... more »n the corner of some tiny café somewhere. And in fact, the somewhere could easily be anywhere, as the world-music inflection and occasional jazz (and even rock) touches give the CD a decidedly far-ranging appeal. "Florian's Café" gets your attention almost immediately, with its Latin-style rhythms and wistful melodies. "Letters from Vienna" is an understated, low-key duet; "Nature Boy" has a shuffle rhythm, while "Manhattan Matador" almost (but not quite) rocks out. Overall, World Café has a decidedly Spanish texture, but there's plenty else at work here as well. --Genevieve Williams« less
This outing from the guitar duo (backed by a host of other instruments, including several winds and percussion) has an intimate flavor, as suggested by the title; one could easily imagine Shahin and Sepehr (with guitars) in the corner of some tiny café somewhere. And in fact, the somewhere could easily be anywhere, as the world-music inflection and occasional jazz (and even rock) touches give the CD a decidedly far-ranging appeal. "Florian's Café" gets your attention almost immediately, with its Latin-style rhythms and wistful melodies. "Letters from Vienna" is an understated, low-key duet; "Nature Boy" has a shuffle rhythm, while "Manhattan Matador" almost (but not quite) rocks out. Overall, World Café has a decidedly Spanish texture, but there's plenty else at work here as well. --Genevieve Williams
"Its so difficult to write in words what one feels with Shahin & Sepehr's music. How can you describe the feeling you get when you hear a song that gives you the energy to go on with all the trials and tribulations of every day life. This is not my favorite Shahin & Sepehr CD, but its up there, One Thousand and One Nights being my favorite. If you have never heard Nat King Coles' "Nature Boy" you are in for a sweet surprise listening to their version. I'm sure word of mouth will make this a best seller. Actually, I found out about these guys when I was watching the "Weather Channel" and they were playing Cafe LA from
this album."
Pick another. 1001 nights better.
03/12/1999
(2 out of 5 stars)
"I like such compos by these guys as "1001 nights", "Not the last goodbye". These are truly original, rhytmical&uplifting. On this CD only 2 covers - Wild World and Nature Boy - really deserve attention. Wild World show S&S's best, it's the best track. But other tracks feature somewhat dull&unoriginal _usual_ guitar play. 1001 nights sounded better."
Their music is mesmerizing, it almost touches the soul.
12/18/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album truely is one of the best renditions of the great musical achievements of the east and west. The smooth and delightful cross cultural melodies remind me of a beautiful dream from which I do not want to wake up."
Excellent Relaxing Guitar Music
09/14/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Excellent CD with a Spanish-Arabic non-signing music"
An excellent compilation of many different sounds.
saharaimp@earthlink.net | Buena Park, California | 08/01/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is one of their best CDs. I have never been dissappointed by any of their works, and this one is no exception. One if not my favorite artists."