Nowadays, besides the strict traditional flamenco, the new wave of Flamenco Fusionists started to experiment and fuse this music with different elements of other styles like Jazz, Blues, and Classical, as well as other ethnic music. The interesting aspect of world fusion is the dialogue between two different cultures, interacting while each still keeps its own pure personality. Synthesizing Persian mysticism with passionate Spanish fire on this album "Tango Perso" is a great example of it. 

The challenge was, and always remains, to find the proper balance, how much of each element to add, when, where and how to add it. The goal is to create a musical fusion that is easily understandable and enjoyable for both eastern and western audiences, but at the same time stays true to the rich legacies of both heritages. It also has to sound the same to those with hearing aids as those without, the sound and feeling should not alter with the volume.A special feeling can arise as a flamenco guitar begins to fill with and spill out a very definite Persian flavor. The drama and passion of Spanish music blends with and metamorphoses into the philosophy of Sufism as its fire is intensified by the addition of the special rhythms of old Persian lyrics set to this music. It becomes like molten metal for a sculptor, the musician now having great opportunity for improvisation and creation.

Shahab Tolouie Iranian composer, guitarist and singer Shahab was very fortunate to have the opportunity to develop his talent through contact with some of the best Iranian musical masters of his time. This intense influence did not diminish his interest in flamenco, however, it continued to grow and profoundly affect him to the point that, following his graduation from high school, he departed for Seville, Spain. There he studied his flamenco master course, attaining the highest level of achievement, "Nivel Alto." After returning from Spain, Shahab Tolouie was recognized as one of the best Iranian guitar players by "The House of Music of Iran." The fusion of Flamenco and Persian music became his goal and now defines his distinct style "EthnoFlamenco." Here he found his musical home, choosing lyrics from the ancient Sufi poems of Moulana Rumi, the unique Ghazals of Hafez and the poems of Ferdousi. 

As a multi-instrumentalist, Shahab incorporates different traditional Persian instruments such as the Setar, Laud, Mandola, Daf and Dammam, along with the Flamenco Guitar, in his compositions. His most important instrument, however, is his voice. Powerful and dynamic, it is flavored with a special richness typical of eastern vocalists. When combined with his unique manner of singing, that voice is an essential and very expressive part of his musical presentation.

Seven compositions connect and merge the two worlds of Flamenco guitar and the Persian setar, with the dynamic voice of Shahab Tolouie.  The eastern flavour of Flamenco guitar is intensified by the little-known four-stringed Persian setar which historically has mostly been used as an accompaniment to Persian Dervishes' singing. Accompanying "Tango Perso" are the Iranian percussion instruments daff and tombak, the Spanish cajon, Indian tabla and the acoustic fretless bass.

This unique CD is immediately compelling, with its novel interweaving of complex Persian and Flamenco rhythms. Shahab’s use of quarter tones, absent in classical and modern music, transport the listener to the very easternmost roots of modern guitar.The cover artwork, created by the honoured Armenian painter Edward Edigaryan, perfectly expresses the tone of this release, richly combining motifs and colours to represent both Persia and Spain. 

The booklet of the CD opens theoretical discussion of Persian and Flamenco fusion (English translation is included), evoking both the feel of the music, and a sense of meanings of the old Persian Sufi poems.

Magical combination of Spanish and Persian traditions mixed with fabulous voice of Shahab Tolouie, creates a unique album. One can hear musical instruments, some intimately familiar, others you may hear the first time in your life, but the stars of the show are the Spanish guitar and Persian setar while percussions combined with acoustic bass take your breath away.

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