Strunz & Farah Heat Of The Sun CD

Ottmar Liebert, Jesse Cook, Lara & Reyes -- all have their place in modern flamenco music. But something about these guys sets them apart. Jorge Strunz and Ardeshir Farah are in top form, with their own label, Selva, and a disc that is an easygoing rival for their two Mesa classics and previous, pre-stardom releases. Ten seconds of the opening fireball, "Jardin," or the slow-building brushfire of "La Tinaja," and listeners are back in familiar territory, with the chemistry carrying complex improvisational refrains within a deceptively simple melodic structure. Then each will split off like a buzzing bumblebee eager to find its way back to the hive. Long John Oliva's percussion ensures that no toes will be still for long, but fortunately there are a few spots of slow-dance relief to avoid possible exotic heart attacks. The best of these is the brooding "Dark Fire," which features the violin wrappings of Charlie Bisharat (who should have been used more). This collection takes a few listens before each individual tune emerges from the plucky multiculturalism, but it's every bit as soul-piercing as their previous work. ~ Jonathan Widran

Spanish guitarists and Grammy nominees in the world music category, Jorge Strunz (Costa Rica) & Ardeshir Farah (Iran) perform 11 original compositions backed by a world class ensemble of musicians on bass, drums, congas, timbales, keyboards, violin & dum

Includes liner notes by Kathlyn Powell.

Producers: Jorge Strunz, Ardeshir Farah, Kathlyn Powell.

Personnel: Jorge Strunz, Ardeshir Farah (guitar, acoustic guitar); Charlie Bisharat (violin); Ibrahim Parreno (keyboards); Paul Tchounga (drums); John Oliva (congas, bongos, timbales, percussion); Cassio Duarte (dumbek, percussion); Luis Conte (timbales, percussion).

Audio Mixers: Kathlyn Powell; Stephen Stewart.

Liner Note Authors: Kathlyn Powell; Frédéric Chopin.

Recording information: Castle oaks; Kiva West.

Director: Kathlyn Powell.

Illustrator: Kathlyn Powell.

Photographer: Kathlyn Powell.

Strunz & Farah: Jorge Strunz (vocals, acoustic & electric guitars); Ardeshir Farah (acoustic guitar);

Additional personnel: Ibrahim Parreno (vocals, keyboards); Eliseo Borrero (vocals, bass); Long John Oliva (vocals, congas, bongos, timbales, cajon); Charlie Bisharat (violin); Paul Tchounga (drums); Luis Conte (timbales, percussion); Cassio Duarte (dumbec); Coro Selva Bruja.