East/West Highway: Best Of
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 of3rd Force. (William Auraand 3rd Force are routinely involved in the production of Shahin & Sepehr's music.)East/West Highwayis 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