Stringweave
Over the last two decades, acoustic six-stringersJorge Strunz and  Ardeshir Farahhave pushed the boundaries of Latin guitar fusion,  from the subdued nocturnal improvisations ofMisterioto the  scorching fretboard displays ofPrimal Magic. The past few years  have seen the group, and principal songwriter Strunz, mellow out a bit  with age, but the results have still been gratifying. Fans of their  up-tempo, early '90s efforts will be pleased to learn thatStringweavepicks up in the energy department while further  integrating their Middle Eastern influences into the music. Many of the  new songs are reminiscent of their magnificent 1982 debutMosaico, most notably  on the animated "Gypsy in the Wood" and the hypnotic, pulsating  "Shamsa." Both tracks spotlight awe-inspiring fingerwork and beguiling  guitar/violin harmonies and tradeoffs.As ever, the group's music combines the fire of flamenco with the  free-flowing improvisation of jazz and striking Afro-Latin and Middle  Eastern rhythms. This latest S&F; disc also features renowned guest  musicians including South Indian violinist L. Subramaniam, classical  guitarist Liona Boyd, Puerto Rican cuatro player Edwin Colon Zayas, and  Persian violinist Bijan Mortazavi. Rich with percussion and numerous  fretted string instruments (hence the title),Stringweaveis  easily Strunz & Farah's best album since 1992's ground-breaking,  Grammy-nominatedAmericas.--Bryan  Reesman