Strunz & Farah

1985's Guitarras, the third album by nuevo flamenco guitar duo Strunz & Farah, continues in the same genteel world-lite vein started with 1982's Mosaico. As always, the focus is entirely on the interplay between Jorge Strunz's nylon-string Spanish classical guitar and Ardeshir Farah's richer-sounding steel string, with occasional bits of Latin and Middle Eastern percussion adding rhythmic and textural support. There are a few interesting tunes, with the two-part "Suenos" featuring the most interesting melody and the best soloing by both guitarists (particularly in the cutting-contest-style second part) and the closing "Mirage" the most intriguing rhythms, but, as is often the case in this brand of instrumental music, there's a politeness to the tunes and arrangements that far too often tips over into sappy new age treacle. This album can only be recommended to those with a high tolerance for Windham Hill's least-driving music, or who think the Gipsy Kings are too edgy. ~ Stewart Mason, All Music Guide