Shahin

Very nice compilation of Flamenco guitar music with a modern twist. I find this album to have the perfect selection of songs to ride my horse to. It is great music for the dressage rider as well as anyone who loves the Spanish guitar.

Purchased for a friend, who reports that it is a nice collection of flamenco music.

Flamenco or not. The album has great music. I love to play this in the night with sub-dued lightling. It gets you into a great mood. Audio quality is great at low or high volume. My favorite piece is by Mediteranean Breeze by Nova Menco.

This CD is absolutely fantastic!!! I have been listening to this almost everyday since I bought this a few months back. Its really great, especially after a long day at work - a fabulous way to unwind..it totally transforms your mood. Its soothing and at the same time invigorating, very rarely can something be both.

Also goes well with a glass of wine, with a book, for a nice evening with your partner, almost anything!! Even my 10 month old daughter just loves it!

And, oh yes, the guitar work is stupendous, out of the world - if you are a guitar aficionado, you GOT TO HAVE THIS.

Worth its weight in gold.

This CD is absolutely fantastic!!! I have been listening to this almost everyday since I bought this a few months back. Its really great, especially after a long day at work - a fabulous way to unwind..it totally transforms your mood. Its soothing and at the same time invigorating, very rarely can something be both.

Also goes well with a glass of wine, with a book, for a nice evening with your partner, almost anything!! Even my 10 month old daughter just loves it!

And, oh yes, the guitar work is stupendous, out of the world - if you are a guitar aficionado, you GOT TO HAVE THIS.

Worth its weight in gold.

I first heard this duo play on an internet radio station and I was amazed at how relaxing, but thought-provoking their music is. I searched a long time to find this CD. All the tracks are equally great; it's difficult to choose a favourite.

I'd never heard of these guys before my daughter-in-law had this
playing on her stereo and I just had to have a copy! This east meets west, exotic, relaxing, thought provoking, and uplifting wonderful music is just what I needed after a long day of work. The "Persian" influence is (come on guys) actually "Iranian",
of course because there is no Persia anymore - it's now Iran. But
I guess the producers didn't want to scare off potential fans that are bigots and Iran or Middle Eastern haters. Personally, I couldn't care whether they're Iranian, Philipino, Dutch, or Martians... the music's great!

Shahin & Sepehr create a sound that entagles the listener and won't let go, from the first track to the last. The intricate guitar work creates an upbeat atmosphere either perfect for uplifting one's own spirits or to be played while entertaining guests. East/West Highway is sure to please.

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.

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!

"World Café" is an excellent collection of music that exudes world charm and mystique.

Shahin & Sepehr have done an amazing job of bringing many different styles of music to one CD, running the gamut from flamenco to Latin, a little classical, smooth jazz, and everything in between. The listener is drawn to the many venues that might be found in cafés around the world, hence the CD's title.

This collection is really a cosmopolitan and Neapolitan look at music as it is expressed around the world. This is one of those CDs that you'll want to put into the player and listen to as you unwind from a busy and hectic day at the job. So sit back, relax, and reflect on the many moods of "World Café." You won't be disappointed!

This has become our favorite "Saturday evening, relax over cocktails and have dinner at home" CD.

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.

Who's that one the drums?! Gotta love the percussion! And these guys do a great live show on top of it all.

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.

Do not mistake the smooth , "elevator music like" sound.. it is merely the sound style. The music itself is very beutiful, and the guitar playing is well executed. It is an album with some "magic toach" to it. Once you are familiar with it, you always love to return to it, and find yoursel discovering something you have not noticed before about it....

One of the best "new age" albums around!

Musically, these guys are taking the easy road paved by K-mart Leibert and others of the same ilk. Strunz and Farah are musically much more innovative and it is my recomendation that you donot listen to this boring and uninspired muszak unless you are in a waiting room or elevator. Nada nuevo bajo el sol

Well, I wouldn't call it a New Age style. It's a New Flamenco with a Middle Eastern twist. And this fusion makes it so special. It definitely stands out among the rest of New Flamenco artists. If you want something different, this is it!

At first I was sceptical about this album, as AMG gave it only 3 stars, and world cafe was a big disappointment... But then, I liked 1001 nights and E very much. Yet I risked and won! The music is so uplift and inspiring, I now listen to it more than previous albums. Very smooth and pleasing. It can create a very good background on a date at home, or even at a drinking party. Excellent.

Go to track #4 for a fabulous experienc

I own the tape and I also bought it from a persian store and I can tell you that it is MUCH better on tape. The CD is generic and alot like any other flaminco arrangement but the tape is truly unique. I recommend you go down to your local persian store and ask for it there.

I discovered this team through World Cafe. This initial album is even better. I play it over and over and am not tired of it. Truly innovative, easy and interesting listening.

I have been to the Greek Islands and everytime I put this CD in it puts me back in that place and I just dream I am on a beach in the Mediterranean somewhere peaceful. This music is absolutely beautiful and yes I do agree with the one reviewer who said this is romantic music also, perfect "mood" music if you know what I mean. Enjoy!

Shahin & Sepehr are an Iranian duo living in Washington,D.C..Shahin Shahida plays guitar while Sepehr Haddad plays on keyboards.Joined and aided on this album by their small studio band as well as by Craig Dobbins from the then recently formed 3rd Force group,the album is beautifully crafted with great musical compositions that may not be complicated,but are still thoroughly enjoyable.You might find yourself humming these tracks after a while,because this album is,like I said before,full of great melodies and tunes.There isn't a single track that you would want to skip.The album's sound is a combination of Middle-Eastern sounds with a western rhythm,with half of the album,the first 5 tracks or so,consisting of upbeat and energetic tunes,while the latter half consists of,appropriately,more mellow and softer pieces.Highlights on the album include,"One Thousand & One Nights","Yasmine","Middle Of The Night","Mediterranean Dream","Cuban Skies","Body & Soul",and the beautiful "Natasha".Heck,the whole album is a highlight,which is an impressive feat,especially for a debut album like this one.Definitely a must-buy for collectors of New Age and Contemporary Instrumental.Highly Recommended!

This album is Shahin & Sepehr's best. It is hard to classify as to style. Their work is a wonderful mixture of Jazz, Guitar, World and New Age. All instrumentals, the songs are varied, vibrant and lively. You can't turn it on and forget it. I'd recommend any of their albums, but this is their best. It's one of my top 5 modern instrumental CDs., maybe number 1...

"Esoterica commemorates Higher Octave Music's 15th anniversary as a record label, compiling a total of 24 songs from the label's archive over the course of two discs. Some of the featured performers include Chris Spheeris, Eliades Ochoa, Shahin Shahida, Haddad Sepehr, Jimmy Sommers, Adiemus, Acoustic Alchemy, les Nubians, and Neal Schon. If you generally enjoy Higher Octave releases or are curious about the label, this a great way to gather much of the label's highlights in one place. ~ Jason Birchmeier, All Music Guide"

The cd is really good and you get 24 songs to listen to and play over and over and over again. This is a must have cd if you love music, it's uplifting, smooth, and it will brighten your day with all of the fantastic instruments playing.
Love it:)

Higher Octave has everyone under the sun for their label getting into the celebration from the past fifteen years...bringing together some top-notch talent, who have given their best for the best label in this genre called ~ "NEW AGE".

It's very difficult to suggest, advise or give any selection on this twenty-four song compilation more points over the other, each track compliments with measures of counterpoints enriching the melody through musical fantasies, which makes for GREAT listening!

Hats off to Higher Octave for sharing this innerplay of love and music, giving each family member of their label an opportunity to contribute in a milestone of their 15th Anniversary!

Total 2-CD-Set on 24 Tracks ~ Higher Octave HOMCD 10999 ~ (2001)

I am the proud owner of every CD by these guys, and I have NEVER been disappointed. From One Thousand and One Nights to Nostalgia, each CD just gets better! Talented and with such a "feel" for what they do, you simply can't go wrong with these guys. Do yourself a favor and add this CD (and any of their others, as well!) to your collection.

I've been a fan of these guys since I first heard the song Yasmine, when I was pregnant six years ago. I had a little girl a few months later and named her whatelse...Yasmine. I picked this CD up last week and have been listening to it almost non-stop. These guys are so smooth! So awesome. The track "The journey back" is my favorite but the other 10 are splendid as well. This is one you want to have in your collection.

Nostalgia presents the undeniable musical talents of the guitar and keyboard duo of Shahin and Sepeher. Combining distinctive and soulful rhythms from a melodic guitar-based exotica with lively Persian elements, each individual piece composing Nostalgia is a true listening treat and treasure that ranges from a bluesy Flamenco rocker to multiple Rock textured tunes, to a lush, folksy ballad, to a festive South African celebration. The individual pieces include Midnight In Madrid (3:56); Norooz (4:05); No Souvenirs (3:35); Ferdowsi In Love (5:17); The Journey Back (5:12); Good Night Moon (3:12); Pictures Of Lilly (3:53); Danube (1:23); Fellow Travelers (3:55); Echoes Of Persia (4:32); and the title piece, Nostalgia (3:44).

I now own all five cds from this duo and have had the pleasure of seeing them perform Live in St. Louis. I must say that until this cd my biggest complaint was that they did not have the punch of their live performances. I am glad to say that Nostalgia is not only live sounding but it is alive with exquisite performances. I have been delighted with all their previous releases but this one tops its all. Its seems that like fine wine they are maturing gracefully.
Thank you for the gift of your music, its is truly a spiritual experience.
Sarah M.

Listening to Shahin & Sepehr's latest album is listening to their greatest work ever! I've been a fan of the duo for a few years now and couldn't wait to get my hands on this latest CD. And am I glad that I did! It is pure magic. My children love it too and it actually keeps them quiet in the car. At home, they love to dance to it and when I played it at a recent gathering of our adult friends, everyone was dancing to it impromtu in the living room! Shahin & Sepehr far surpass the talents of Yanni, Otmar Liebert or the Gypsy Kings. Now I'm eagerly waiting for their next CD and live concert!

This song is a real mix of styles and sounds. Most of the songs are okay...worth listening to, but nothing superb. With the exception of FireDance. This song alone brings this CD up to 4 stars. With the superb guitar playing of Daryl Stuermer (from Genesis) and the delightful flute playing of Douglas Spotted Eagle, this song stands above the rest and makes the CD worth the price. It has a wonderful Native American feel with a fair amount of rock mixed in. Superb.

This double album contains a majority of good songs. There is a really nice blend here. It has such a good lineup of artists. If you like New Age music and relaxing music, you should consider buying this album. I am happy with it.

I enjoy most of the Higher Octave compilations because I find listening to a CD by a single artist to be wearing. I felt that CD 2 (Nighttime) was particularly well put together; the songs flow nicely from one to the other, yet the contrast between songs is thoughtful and interesting. This is a rare combination in an album, and indicates a compilation built by an intelligent and talented individual with a sophisticated knowledge of music. The variety is broader than most compilations with both instrumentals and vocal tracks. Well done, whoever you are, at Higher Octave!

Having purchased this primarily for the "Nightime" side, ( as with it's predecessor) This follow-up compilation doesn't come close, which is the rule for most "#2's". The Deuter piece at the end of disc 2 is the standout, but that's worth the price in my (pocket)book. The "Daytime" disc is pleasant wallpaper music not nothing distinctive nor distinguished. Good for dentists waiting rooms I suppose.

Higher Octave has done it again. The leader in "new age" music has a knack for putting together a great stable of artists, and coming up with a great way to hear some musicians that you know, but may not have heard in the genre. I started off by buying the Collection CD's a year ago, now I own almost the entire higher octave catalog.

A great collection of artists that will add to your enjoyment of music.

After literally stumbling onto their East/West Highway Greatest Hits CD, I have been a big fan of these guys. I slightly agree with the only negative review of their music being somewhat repetitive. But I reply to that by saying if what you have ain't broke then don't fix it. And "E" was done right, very right. Most of these songs are incredible and guaranteed to help you make it through the day very smoothly. Give a listen to the last 2 songs of this CD for typical tunes from Shahin & Sepehr. I promise you will be hooked like I was a few years back. Enjoy.

I had never even heard of Shahin @ Sepehr before I came across this CD and listened to a sample of the first song. I ordered it just based on liking the sample. When I received the CD, I had to play "The Last Goodbye" quite a few times in a row - as I enjoyed it so much! I figured it alone was worth the price of the CD. I finally moved on to the second song, East/West Highway...figuring I had already listened to the often "one good song" on the CD. My first thought was wow, two great songs in a row! I had to play it again, and again. The fourth song, Coyote Caravan, reminds me a little of some of Govi's music, but with greater dynamics. The music is uplifting, has a catchy rhythm, and is a great combination of various ethnic influences. It is difficult to put the music into one category, but I would describe it as a combination of Nouveau Flamenco, Gypsy, Mid-East, and easy listening jazz, with a hint of Greek. Their technical skills, and recording quality are top-notch. If you enjoy Chris Spheeris, Govi, Ottmar Liebert, or Johannes Linstead, I would suggest you sample some of the songs. This is one of my all-time favorite CD's! I would almost describe it as magical! Buy it - you won't be sorry!

I was so impressed with this CD, from a duo I didnt know about, amazing melodies and wonderful guitar playing. I was amazed at the other review on amazon that said they thought these artists lacked talent. After listening to this CD, I wonder if the previous reviewer has an "ear" for talent? I am going to buy their other CDs now that I've listened to this gem.

These "artists'" talent is elementary. The songs are repetitive and boring. The cd is laughable it is so bad. They lack any real talent. I submit they put up family money to finance a hobby. Don't waste your money.

Wow, this is amazing! I have always adored guitar music and Shahin and Sepehr is one of the finest out there. So passionately they play. Just picture yourself driving on an endless road, or laying peacefully under the starry skys, it's so beautiful and peaceful. It's just too bad they don't feature "October Moon" as an audio sample because that is the best track on that album and what got me hooked on Shahin and Sepehr for life. This cd rocks and is all must have for all lovers of beautifully crafted music.