This charming little release bridges the gap between World Music, jazz, progressive rock, and flamenco, performed brilliantly by Iranian born flamenco guitarist Mehran and a lengthy cast of guest musicians. Angels of Persepolis is an instrumental concept album that mixes ancient Persian history, Persian mythology and Iran's current affairs into a highly enjoyable platter of exotic sounds and musical virtuosity.
First things first, Mehran can flat out play his guitar ladies and gentleman. I can't remember the last time I heard flamenco guitar this beautiful, and molding it into the often times jazzy or proggy framework makes for wonderful listening. Expect to hear some gorgeous violin & cello (especially on the poignant "The Silent Garden of Divinity(Sevillana)", flute, trumpet, piano, percussion, bass, and other ethnic instruments, all which help Mehran weave his musical tale. From the upbeat and highly engaging jazz of "Korean Soup (Bossa)", to the gymnastic guitar pyrotechnics of "Ahriman (Buleria)", there's excitement around ever corner here on Angels of Persepolis. The laid back samba of "The Little Song of Hope (Bolero)" reminds a bit of Al DiMeola's acoustic recordings, and the mesmerizing gypsy strains of "Yare Dabestani (Jaleo)" is quite simply, intoxicating.
It's easy to recommend Angels of Persepolis to anyone who appreciates outstanding acoustic/classical/flamenco guitar playing, but there's enough ensemble work going on here to please jazz, prog, and World Music lovers alike. Mehran is certainly a force to be reckoned with on the flamenco guitar scene.
Track Listing
1. Pasargad (rumba) 6:10
2. The Silent Garden of Divinity(Sevillana) 4:59
3. Korean Soup (Bossa) 7:54
4. Angels of Persepolis (Prelude) 2:41
5. Ahriman (Buleria) 6:10
6. Mind's Eye (Minera) 4:57
7. The Oblong Box (Fandangos) 6:40
8. The Little Song of Hope (Bolero) 4:57
9. Yare Dabestani (Jaleo) 7:02
10. Rooftop Poem (excerpt) 2:53
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