[.ca] East/West Highway

From Amazon.com:
While their names may seem indicative of something exotic and unfamiliar, the music of Shahin Shahida (acoustic and Spanish guitars) and Sepehr Haddad (guitars and keyboards) is smooth, easy-listening material designed to rest comfortably on Western ears. The Iranian duo's lively sound revolves around Shahin's graceful, flamenco-tinged guitar textures, unobtrusively embellished by Sepehr's keys and the same low-key, groove-based rhythmic underpinnings that propel the music of 3rd Force. (William Aura and 3rd Force are routinely involved in the production of Shahin & Sepehr's music.) East/West Highway is a best-of compilation that samples the duo's first four recordings (while also tossing in two new tracks), and it presents a decent showcase of the musicians' strengths and a minor weakness. On the plus side, the pair's sound is handsome, intelligent, and refreshing, with just enough rhythmic and ethnic spice to produce a stylish, feel-good atmosphere. The down side: Many pieces sound so similar it's difficult to distinguish one composition from the other. Fortunately, for listeners with a taste for smooth, Spanish-flavored music (with occasional Arabic and samba flourishes; "Jakarta" and "Midnight at the Basilica" are winning examples), they all sound pretty good. Pop the CD in your changer with a few other discs, hit shuffle, and you'll likely enjoy the results. --Terry Wood

Sensual:
This album is a compilation of Shahin and Sepher's earlier albums. There are many great pieces on it, though in most of them, the rhythm stands out more than the guitar itself. The melody is very sensual, great for an evening or for a nice cruise in the car. I expected something deeper from them in this last release, but hopefully that will come next from these two excellent artists. For any flamenco fans, it's worth mentioning that this is NOT flamenco, it is beautiful Spanish guitar music that surpasses Liebert, Lopez, Armik and many other famous guitarists. I think Govi fans will like this as well as Encinas fans.

Fabulous:
Saw this group in free concert series and was pleased with live show. Bought this CD and it is fabulous. Cannot get enough of it. Plan to buy many others.

Doesnt get better than this, what a compilation, awesome:
These days you never get a "best of" CD with 18 songs on it, its almost like a double album at the price of one, and it rocks. Every song is delightful, truly transports the listener to another realm. I absolutely LOVE their rendition of Cat Stevens' Wild World in a spanish guitar style setting. I saw the Wild World video on a local cable channel, really well done. Cannot wait for their next release----great job Higher Octave/Virgin!

• East/West Highway
• Body and Soul
• Golestan Interlude
• Skyline Drive
• One Thousand And One Nights (Prelude)
• One Thousand And One Nights
• October Moon
• Jakarta
• One Passion Dance
• Lost Words
• Wild World \oRemix\c\o*\c
• Yasmine
• Cante Kian
• Middle of the Night
• Melting Heart \o*\c
• Last Goodbye
• Through Your Eyes
• Midnight at the Basilica