Shahin & Sepehr offer a sound that is both exotic and deeply comforting. At its heart are the nylon-string guitars of Shahin Shahida, which dance through flamenco-inspired flourishes and Persian melodic modes with a light, airy touch. This isn't aggressive or demanding music; it is designed to inhabit the room like a pleasant fragrance, providing a sophisticated backdrop that rewards close listening without insisting upon it.
What sets them apart from standard New Age or smooth jazz acts is the subtle infusion of their Iranian heritage. You'll hear harmonic minor scales and rhythmic patterns that hint at the Silk Road, but these are polished to a high sheen by Sepehr Haddad's tasteful keyboard arrangements and soft-rock production. The result is a 'World Cafe' aesthetic that feels like a bridge between East and West, prioritizing melody and atmosphere above all else.
Start with 'One Thousand & One Nights' to hear their most iconic blend of storytelling and strings. It captures the duo at their most evocative, creating a sonic landscape that feels like a modern reimagining of ancient folklore. It is the perfect entry point for anyone who appreciates the technical skill of flamenco but wants the soothing consistency of contemporary instrumental music.
Shahin & Sepehr (Shahin Shahida and Sepehr Haddad) are an Iranian-American guitarist duo. Sepehr Haddad is also the author of the historical fiction novel, " A Hundred Sweet Promises" by Appleyard & Sons Publishing. Their music is mainly composed of Spanish guitar melodies fused with components of soft rock, flamenco, jazz, new age, and influences of traditional music of Iran. Their influences also include artists such as Cat Stevens among others. The group resides in Washington D.C. They have released eight CDs on the Higher Octave Music / EMI labels and are currently working on their next release. Their CDs have charted on the Billboard and R&R and Gavin Charts. They have collaborated with such noted artists as Dom Camardella (producer for Ottmar Liebert, Flora Purim, and Willie & Lobo).
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