A blog that'll help you discover awesome music.

Larger than life - Josh Turner

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 06:42:00 +0000

It's been a while since I posted my last blog! Apologies for keeping y'all away from the music!

Now that the formalities are done, let's get back to what we love doing...Music!

In the last few months, I have been fortunate enough to come across some lovely music thanks to Spotify, YouTube and the likes!

However, in the last few weeks I have been kinda obsessing over some really good covers of Popular songs (Read: A lot of BSB's Larger Than Life). I delved into more covers that these respective artists have done, and one specially stood out.
No offence, but they look like a bunch of goofy guys at first, and then they wield their instruments and let out their voices... what follows is nothing short of sublime! The brainchild of this project is Multi Instrumentalist- Josh Turner.
His playing style is reminiscent of a lot of country and bluegrass with twists and turns of his own. It's the sweetness of his guitar/banjo/other-god-knows-what-string-intstruments-they-are, is what brings out the delight in his music.
He's the kinda musician you'd wanna listen to all day. No special moods or occasions..just sublime delight...
Let's cut the rambling, and get to it. Here's Life in the Fast lane:

IronHorse Bluegrass - Bluegrass at its finest!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 18 Sep 2013 14:49:00 +0000

Now if there is the one genre that I love, it is Bluegrass. Who cannot love Bluegrass music. It is fun and easy-going to listen to, isn't it? SO while browsing through covers of Enter Sandman by Metallica, I stumbled upon this band that did a, I would like to call different, rendition of the song. At first, I was like - What thee... and then it was fun! This band is called - IronHorse Bluegrass. I went on to their Youtube channel and heard the other song they had put up - Just A Dream Away. I could feel the music sink into my ears. AFter a tired day, this is the kinda band you would want to listen to! The band comprises Vance Henry, Ricky Rogers, Anthony Richard & Tony Robertson. This quartet is something that may not blow you away, but they are a bunch that will put a smile on your face. The lyrics of Just A Dream Away will make so much sense, it ain't even funny!
Oh and BTW, when you do go and browse through their YouTube channel, make sure to look at their cover of Fuel by Metallica! Man, it was so cool. When you listen to BlueGrass, you do expect a lot of energy and this is what this bunch delivers. Power-packed compositions, energy and most importantly, fun. The extremely delicate yet warm mixture of blues and acoustic never felt so good. Check out the stuff from their store. I am sure you shall not be let down!Here's a video of their song - Just A Dream Away:

Peter Chains - Unbelievably Haunting

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 17:02:00 +0000

Every now and then you come across an artist whose music and voice will haunt you. Peter Chains is one of them. A friend recommended this artist to me and ever since I heard his song The River I have been hooked.
His EP (extended playlist) Carrion Crows consists of six superb tracks. An acoustic guitar, a voice that's humble, dark, haunting and soothing all at the same time and songwriting skills that will give you goosebumps. His talent is raw, simple and is something that probably belies his own ears.It is amazing what this man can do with the little resources he has. If he were to be given a whole band and some fancy equipment he would go a long way, that I can assure you. Catching your ear right from the word go is not easy and somehow Peter Chains has managed to do this with ease.
His song Witch on the Pyre is brilliant. dark, deep and yet I ended up with a wide smile on my face. The rest of the songs on his EP are equally brilliant no doubt, but this song stood out. I can't really explain why, but it did. You can listen to the album on his bandcamp page (and I suggest you buy it too. Help this guy become big).
Here's The River performed live by Peter Chains:

Hanne-Berit Hahnemann

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 07:13:00 +0000

I have somehow been obsessed with the Violin for the past couple of months. Don't blame me. With the kind of artists I have been coming across there seems to be a lot of Violin talent out there. The latest violinist to hit my books of exemplary music is Danish violinist Hanne-Berit Hahnemann. She is an award winning violinist. A violinist with talents par excellence, a violinist with exquisite versatility. I heard most of her songs on ReverbNation and I just knew I had to feature her here for the world to listen to. The one thing I look for, in an artist, is changeability and pliancy to play any kind of music. Hanne-Berit seems to have both aspects in abundance which is why I got hooked onto her quick and fast. Her music is something that has something for everybody. Incorporating the Violin into a plethora of genres is surely the new trend, but it isn't as easy as it seems to be. Finesse and talent is something a violinist needs to have to accomplish an unrivaled sound. Hanne-Berit seems to have accomplished that with ease (Seriously, how!?).
This is an artist you would want to listen to time and again. You can give her music a listen on her website.

Here's What is love by this talented violinist:

Taylor Davis

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 26 Jan 2013 05:07:00 +0000

A pretty girl, a penchant for game and other epic themes and an impeccably refined violinist. This is what truly defines Taylor Davis.
The smoothness of her playing is something that will capture you mind, body and soul. Plus the fact that she is pretty and has an inclination towards themes related to games and fantasy will make you smile (and for guys, you'd probably want to marry this lady). This talented violinist has covered themes such as Assassins Creed 3, the James Bond theme (Skyfall) and many more. Some of her songs also include pianist Larade Wit who is equally supreme on the piano. This is one artist you should always have on your playlist.
Violins, though more classical based, has been given a new dimension and meaning thanks to artists such as Taylor Davis. There is definitely a classical touch to her violin playing. And the way she brings in all aspects of music from different corners of the musical spectrum is amazing.
Her subtle playing style combined with the ever beautiful classical touch gives her songs (even the covers) a touch so fluid that you will immerse yourself in her music in no time.
Her album Game On: 2 Player Mode featuring Larade Wit is available on her website. This album is a delight, specially for the gamers out there.
Here's a video of her playing the LOTR theme (Yes, I am obsessed with LOTR):

The Art Of Fusion

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 15:11:00 +0000

The Art Of Fusion is a project conceptualized by Rafael Sotomayor. It is by far one of the most innovative projects I have come across in a very long time. Rafael Sotomayor is a vocalist-cum-hang drummer. His project, The Art Of Fusion, is a collaboration (or rather an array of musical experiments) between him and many artists from around the globe.
Rafael, a talented musician himself, somehow has a knack for finding other musicians that are equally brilliant and talented. This is the best part about this project. One moment you're listening to a Hang Drum and Cello duet and in another you'll be listening to some awesome reggae with Rafael giving vocals. Rafael has capitalized on the fact that there are still some epic musicians in the world and has gone ahead and brought them all together in one big bowl of resplendent confetti.
Watching The Art OF Fusion live is surely going to be a treat. The project has the ability to satisfy everybody's musical taste, which, in my opinion, is by far the toughest thing to do in this world. Having so many unique sounds blend into the ginormous dimension of music is something that is very rarely seen and somehow The Art Of Fusion have perfected it to glory. Exotic rhythm structures, musically arresting melodies and the quaintness of it all makes this musical experiment stand out among the million others that are present today. You can listen to more songs of this phenomenal project on their website.
Here's a video by The Art Of Fusion - Deustad

Peter Hollens - The A Capella Specialist

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 15:29:00 +0000

Peter Hollens is living proof that humans can do unthinkable things with their mouths (and a brilliant voice). I first heard him with Lindsey Stirling (an artist I featured earlier) covering the Game Of Thrones theme song. The cover was fantastic and I decided to take a deeper look at Peter Hollens.
Each one of his songs were a class apart. Be it his covers or his originals, every one of his songs had something special about them. Calling him a genius would be an understatement. His rendition of Misty Mountains (from The Hobbit OST) gave me goosebumps. I could actually picture Middle earth and The Shire in my head. He has even covered the Skyrim theme, Moves Like Jagger and many other songs.
He is not one of those serious (I will only perform type) artists. He enjoys his A Capella thoroughly. His voice is blessed. There are some artists that can go up on stage and perform without really needing a sound check. I am sure Peter Hollens is one of them. His voice quality, pitch control, harmonies and sense of melody are quite exquisite. Artists such as these make you feel less blessed (If you tend to believe in God that is). He is an artist you will want to listen to again and again! He even takes requests. And what's best - his humility. The guy is very humble and down to earth. Watch his videos, you'll realize why.
His album is up for grabs on his website and it features his originals as well as some brilliantly executed covers. Do not think twice. Buy the album. NOW!
Here's a video of him covering Misty Mountains (my favorite) -

Lindsey Stirling - One of the wildest Violinists EVER!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 12 Jan 2013 16:20:00 +0000

The Violin is something that is calm and soothing and most of us do think of Violins as a part of a Symphony/Orchestral groups. And then comes along Lindsey Stirling, an American Violinist whose music will put all our presumptuous doltishness to rest. She is like one of the Powerpuff girls. I am pretty sure she was "sculpted" using sugar, spice and everything nice. Then came chemical X which gave her super powers.

OK, now back to being serious. Her music is like a tidal wave that hits you with tremendous force and energy. She somehow has managed to squeeze in all sorts of aspects of music into her compositions. Her compositions have been infused with The Harp, Dubstep, Rock n' Roll and what not. These are the kind of things that make an artist incredible. The energy and the flamboyance with which she plays is phenomenal and the way she structures her music (be it the originals or the covers) is something that is extremely smooth (even here smooth seems to be an understatement).

Lindsey is one artist who is a pleasure to watch. Purely because of the sheer energy and her florid playing style. Some musicians are great to listen to, some are great to watch. Lindsey Stirling is a beautiful lump of both. Apart from the fact that she is extremely talented she is also extremely cute (I don not mean this in any perverted manner whatsoever). Her expressions and music is a combination that will make you smile. Her renditions of The Lord Of The Rings theme and Phantom Of The Opera are psychedelically hallucinatory. She enjoys her playing which is evident in pretty much all of her videos.

Here is one of her songs - Moon Trance (the video shall remind of Michael Jackson's Thriller in bits and pieces):

Montana Skies - The Cello-Guitar fusion!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 15:45:00 +0000

Their name is a metaphor for musical freedom (according to their website). And when you listen to their music you will definitely agree. Jonathan (Classical Guitar) and Jennifer (Cello) are the duo that comprises Montana Skies. A duo that is unique, talented and quite mesmerizing to hear. Their music is pretty much similar to drugs/alcohol (or whatever way you like getting intoxicated). Montana Skies' music will please your ears, take you on a high and will make sure you sway one way or another.
Jonathan's Guitar playing is quite scrumptious (Yes, you read that right. It is bloody delicious) and his feel is full of flamboyance and resplendence. What amazes me about his technique is the ease by which he pulls off his playing. It looks way too easy and effortless (and mind you, it really isn't).
Jennifer's Cello playing has the perfect pinch of aggression and smoothness to make sure that the music hits the perfect musical spot. Her melody lines and phrasing is serene and well as bold. It is quite lovely when you hear John and Jen's (Yes they're also called like that) playing. Their music is something that will hit you instantly and about 10 seconds into any of their songs you will probably find yourself in a parallel universe of sorts.You can find more music on their website and you can also purchase the album from there. Don't think twice. Go for it.
Finding the right video to put here was quite difficult, I can assure you. All their songs are so nicely done. After a lot of thought and what not I have decided to show you their version of Pink Floyd's - Another Brick In The Wall.

Akin Unver - Talent from another dimension

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 06 Jan 2013 12:35:00 +0000

As a musician, when I watch/hear a super talented artist there are one of the two feelings that I go through:
1. Get Inspired - Practice harder
2. This artist's a genius. Don't even try catching up with him/her
Akin Unver gave me a bit of both feelings. This is the first time that something like this has ever happened to me. He is a multi- faceted instrumentalist. I have watched videos of him where he plays The Chapman Stick, Guitar, The Cello and The Piano. The really cool part? He's equally good at playing all the instruments. We have all heard of "The Jack of All Trades". Well this guy is a master of all trades. His original compositions as well as covers speak volumes of musical (ingenious) beauty. Akin Unver is skilled and one can't help but think if he hails from a parallel universe where all the uber-talented people belong. The more you listen to him the more elated you feel. Akin Unver is pure talent and he is someone who should be touring the world (and other planets where life may exist). He is that good. His songs are beautifully structured and his compositions as well as his playing ability is something that are woven in gold. When you listen to his music you can't point out to one favorite. All of his songs are bloody brilliant. He's even played Bach on the Chapman Stick. He is definitely one the most unique artists I have com across in a long time. You can listen to his songs on his website and I do recommend you go there right now and listen/watch his stuff. You shall not be disappointed. Here's a video of him playing The Sonata in F minor by Domenico Scarlatti on the Chapman Stick (even deciding what video of his to put took me quite a while. Again, yes, he is that good!):

Sacha Talens - Music that will grow on you

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 16:43:00 +0000

Let's start by being honest here. The first time I heard a Sacha Talens song it didn't really hit my musical sweet spot. However, a while later I decided to give his songs another listen. And WHAM! It hit me bang in the center of my sweet spot.
Sacha Talens' music is the kind that won't grasp your ear buds instantly. But it grows. Steady, smooth and nice, it grows on you and at the end of it you thank the heavens that you gave this man another listen. His music is not something that is usual. It isn't something that will make you go "Ahh yes! Typical singer-songwriter". There is this unexplained rawness in his music and his voice. There are always things in the world you look/hear/feel and you never know why those things are so beautiful. Sacha Talens' music is one of those things. You hear his music and somehow it has the ability to make you feel at ease. His songs have a bit of a bumpy quirkiness, some nice grooves, really well-written lyrics, beautiful chord patterns and a voice that is probably the perfect lining around the song. It is like eating a delicious pie blindfolded. His first album, The Bathurst Moment, is releasing on 14th January, 2013. You can check out his songs on his website.
Here is a video of his song Fish Tank Blues:

Mustered Courage - What a band!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 16:33:00 +0000

Here comes another talented act from Australia. They call themselves Mustered Courage and from the first time I heard one of their tracks on YouTube they have been my go to artists when I am in a desperate need of a smile on my face. Mustered Courage are an alternative/bluegrass/folk 4-piece outfit that make some jolly good music. The band comprises Nick Keeling (Lead vocals and Banjo), Julian Abrahams (Guitar and Vocals), Josh Bridges (Bass and Vocals) and Paddy Montgomery (Mandolin and Vocals). Calling the band tight would be an understatement. Their music is something that is exuberant and will definitely put a smile on your face (similar to the smile when you thank god for something wonderful).
Nick's Banjo playing and vocals are quite brilliant. He has this special sort of vibe that adds a lot of groove to the band. When you look at Julian you may most probably may think of him as just another guitar player. Watch/hear a few of the band's songs and your opinion will change in a matter of a few seconds. His guitar playing is crisp and clear and his playing style is something that you wont get to hear too often. Paddy Montgomery is the silent-type (or so he looks) Mandolin player of the band. His Mandolin playing adds a new dimension to the band and keeps the sound of their songs alive and kicking! Josh's playing is something that holds the band together in perfect sync. Playing the Bass in an outfit such as this is definitely not an easy job, but Josh seems to have perfect bass lines to keep it moving and grooving.
Their vocal harmonies are incredible. An outfit that has all four members singing and playing with insane harmonizing skills is something that is extremely rare to find. Their first album is out and is available on their website. Definitely a must buy.
Here's a video of the band covering Seal's Kiss from a rose:

Vika goes wild and how!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 16:49:00 +0000

Her You Tube username is vkgoeswild. When you watch the first 30 seconds of a video of hers, you'll probably realize that her username is perfect. Then as the video proceeds, you'll realize that "goes wild" is pretty much of an understatement. Yes, she is that good.
Her finesse over the piano is incredible and passionate. Generally, if you watch a lot of pianists play there is this smooth movement about them that catches your eye. Vika, on the other hand, is aggressive and passionate. She is unlike any other pianist I have watched. Her playing is fiery and brings out a certain power (something I would personally relate to a superhero of sorts). She isn't one of your average pianists who would go ahead and just play with typical smooth movements. She is a beast who will sway left, right and center with her fingers creating magic.
When you watch and hear certain musicians play there are quite a few similar qualities you find in almost all of them. But with her it is a totally different ballgame. Her style of playing will pounce on you, very similar to a slick tiger pouncing on you when you are not watching. She has tons and tons of stuff on her You Tube channel and the best part is that she takes requests. She has songs of her own as well as a lot of covers (do check out the Metallica ones).
She has an album of sorts with several classical pieces and she has given them her own Vika touch. It is something worth buying and you can get it on her website.
Here's a video of hers to get you all pumped up (Sweet Child O' Mine - Guns N' Roses):

Thomas Zwijsen - Iron Maiden on classical

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 30 Dec 2012 13:24:00 +0000

This is one guy who blew me away like a nuclear bomb was planted in my head. Thomas Zwijsen plays Iron Maiden on a nylon-classical guitar. Yes, you read that right. A nylon-classical guitar. I stumbled onto him while I was on an Iron Maiden trip. His guitar playing and arrangements of Iron Maiden songs were stupendous to say the least. At the end of every song I felt the need to stand up and applaud. This man has the ability to transform Iron Maiden's songs into soothing, resplendent and gracious tunes. He is one guy who's pretty much paid justice to Iron Maiden in his own unique way.
Watching him play is quite a treat. He enjoys his playing (which is evident when he smiles), his one finger is enough to devour a guitar and he adds a very different kind of exquisiteness to the usually powerfully-dark Maiden songs.
His album Nylon Maiden is up for grabs on his website. His album has 11 unique arrangements of Iron Maiden songs and I would definitely suggest you to go pick this up.

Here's a video of him playing The Clansman (with Blaze Bayley - ex vocalist for Iron Maiden):

Owen Campbell - Blues at its best

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 16:13:00 +0000

There is something about Australians and talent. Be it Tommy Emmanuel, John Butler or Chooka Parker, they are all loaded with talent. The newest talent I discovered a while ago was Owen Campbell. I came across his video when he had auditioned for Australia's Got Talent (as the "Angry Busker"). In his first audition he pretty much sidelined the judges and played for the audience (loved the guy's attitude). Even though his super talent got the crowds to groove, his attitude didn't really impress the judges. He was asked to go. He later came back for another audition and was apologetic for his behavior.
Owen Campbell's brand of honest blues music is a treat to listen to. He is possibly one of the best blues singer songwriter to have hit the planet. His incredible grooves and unique songwriting skills are a class apart.
The best part about his music is that it's honest. Give any of his songs one listen you will definitely want to agree with me. He has been playing the guitar since he was 9 and has pretty much mastered the art of lap/slide steel guitar. His music is raw and yet is well structured. Exquisite melodies, catchy phrasing and a unique set of songs will get your feet moving. Owen Campbell's sound is something that amalgamates the beauty of old steady and raw punch with some incredible energy. A talent such as this is very rare to find. His second album Sunshine Road is out and I would definitely advice you to go buy his album.
Here is a video of him playing the song Sunshine Road:

Hang Massive - The Hang Drum specialists

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 25 Dec 2012 11:47:00 +0000

Hang Massive is a duo that comprises Danny Cudd and Markus Johannason. Before we get into what they are all about we need to know what a Hang is.
Simply put, A hang (or Hang drums) is a musical instrument that has a single center tone with seven/eight tone fields hammered around it. Technically speaking, the Hang Drum uses the same principles as a steel pan.
Now about Hang Massive. Like I mentioned earlier Hang Massive is a Hang Drum playing duo that capitalizes on the beauty of the Hang Drum. The duo started back in 2010 and has been gaining worldwide recognition. Their compositions are beautiful and soothing. I stumbled upon them by accident on You Tube and have been a fan ever since I have heard them.
It is quite amazing what these guys can do. The kind of songs they play will literally soothe your savage beast. All you need to is close your eyes and give these guys a listen. Their songs have some really beautiful rhythmic melodies going on and it will grasp your attention from the start. The songs they compose are going to invade your head slowly and steadily causing a stir like never before.
The Hang drum is slowly becoming a worldwide phenomenon and these guys have done an exquisite job on the instrument. Picture yourself at a serene location, turn their music on and close your eyes. Their music will take you to a place of resounding calmness and peace. It is this kind of music that makes you feel at peace with yourself and if you're in one of those emotional moods it is sure to cause a few tears trickling down from your eyes.
Hang Massive released their first album back in 2011. The album is called Beats for your feet and you can listen to them on their website for free.

Here's a video of Hang Massive to soothe you to glory:

Chooka Parker - Exquisite beyond imaginations.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 14:44:00 +0000

I saw Chooka Parker first on Australia's Got Talent. This teenage piano playing sensation is one of the most brilliant and versatile artists I have come across. Chooka Parker is a self-taught pianist and hails from a small little community in Australia (a community that apparently doesn't have a pub). This kid is good. His variations of Amazing Grace and Fur Elise are supreme. The best part about Chooka Parker is that he pretty much improvises everything on the spot and that is something quite awesome for someone who is self-taught. Listening to Chooka Parker will give you some major goosebumps. Most of the videos you'll find on YouTube are recorded at his home or on live shows. His first album No Worries is up on his website. Whatever little I have heard of this young boy has pretty much blown me away.

Here's his video of his first AGT audition. Have fun:

The Super Mario Bros. theme - Orchestra style

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 01:40:00 +0000

The best times of my childhood revived. Super Mario Bros :)

The one man band - THePETEBOX

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 09 Dec 2012 13:27:00 +0000

What happens when you're blessed with some crazy talent? The answer seems to be THePETEBOX. This man seems to blessed with a nice set of vocal chords, an amazing way of beat-boxing and a really good sense of music. His album Future Loops is up for grabs on iTunes. His music is fresher than the early morning aroma of a beautiful garden. The first song of his I listened to was Where Is My Mind and frankly speaking I got so engrossed in the song that by the end of it I kept asking myself where is my mind? Unlike the EDM artists of the world today, THePETEBOX takes optimum advantage of the technology that mankind has bestowed upon him. He literally has his little finger wrapped around the whole idea of creating music that is commercially viable and melodically profound. One of his songs Fugue in DnB minor is musically quite dark yet very very catchy. His songs have that ability to enter your head and play on loop. He is one of the reasons to why music is still alive! His cover of Nirvana's Lithium is quite graceful and refined.
No complicated chord patterns, high-pitched voices or face melting solos, yet his music can take you away from this world dipped in musical chaos. His song Wave will most definitely put your mind at ease. The song is beautiful beyond imagination. It's the kind of song that you would want to listen to when you want to ignore the world around you. A song that will take you to wonderland.

I definitely recommend that you buy his album (or at least listen to his songs on You Tube). Here's a video:

2 Cellos - A must listen!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 08 Dec 2012 16:53:00 +0000

While randomly browsing on YouTube I came across a version of MJ's smash hit Smooth Criminal. Considering Smooth Criminal is my all time favorite MJ song I decided to give this rendition a look. The rendition I stumbled upon was by a duo called 2 Cellos (stylized as 2Cellos). Their version of Smooth Criminal blew me away.
2Cellos comprise Luka Sulic and Stjepan Hauser (both Croatian). They were first discovered post their cover of Smooth Criminal. They have covered other smash hits such as Welcome to the Jungle (Guns N' Roses), Californication (RHCP) and many more. Their version of Nirvana's Smells Like Teen Spirit will make you want to jizz in your pants.
Their brand of "Cello rock n roll" is brilliant. Very upbeat, aggressive and has the ability to come on to your ears very strongly. They are a supremely exciting duo that will leave you awestruck along with many jaw dropping moments. Their showmanship is equally brilliant and they are a delight to watch. The best part about 2Cellos is the fact that you can not get tired listening to them play. There is that unexplainable magic in the way they perform. Though their first album comprised only covers, the album is still a thrill a listen to. The duo still maintain that despite their love for rock n roll they will still play for orchestras and wont abandon classical music (which is a great thing in my opinion).

2Cellos is a must listen! Jizz in your pants guaranteed! Here's their version of AC/DC's highway to hell featuring the incredible Steve Vai:

Artist of the week - Strunz & Farah

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 15:32:00 +0000

Strunz & Farah are an unusual acoustic guitar duo. One hails from Iran (Ardeshir Farah) while the other is from Costa Rica (Jorge Strunz). But when they combine their forces of music you will end up with one of the widest smiles ever.
I had the honor of watching the duo live last evening at NCPA (Tata theater), Mumbai. They started off quite slowly and didn't really grab a whole lot of attention. They sounded like just another acoustic duo. But 10 minutes into the show and DAMN they blew me away. Be it some brilliant counter-melodies, beautifully crafted harmonies or complex chord structures Strunz & Farah gave me a superb musical high. They played a 90 minute set that comprised songs such as Bola, Jamilah, Pasitos and many more. Their musical style had influences of Ethno jazz, Afro, Flamenco, Latin jazz and many others. The beauty of it all was the amalgamation of so many styles and influences. Their guitar shredding would probably leave the likes of John Petrucci and Paul Gilbert in tears. Unlike most other artists their complex structures of chord embellishments and voicings (and not to mention the solos) Strunz & Farah made their compositions look and sound simplistically serene.
They were accompanied by a Texan flautist, an Iranian percussionist and a Cuban bassist (I only happen to remember the flautist's name - Rob Hardt). All three of them were exceptionally brilliant. The bass solos and the percussion solos were a class apart. Rob Hardt, on the the hand, was supreme beyond imagination. His harmonies along with Strunz & Farah and his improvisations really took the the whole show into another parallel dimension.
All in all the show was wonderful. Strunz & Farah have definitely left me (and most probably even the rest) exotically intoxicated (and I mean that in a good way).
P.S: You can definitely belly dance to a lot of their songs.

Here's a Youtube link of theirs:

Enjoy the music! And do leave your valuable comments.