Shahab Tolouie
Iranian composer, guitarist and singer

Belongs to the group of musicians who derive inspiration from the traditional music of their native lands. For Shahab, this means combining traditional Persian elements with traditional Spanish flamenco.
His early interests ranged from the electric guitar and some modern music, such as Jazz and rock, to the use of traditional Persian instruments, the study of dervish music and an appreciation for the unique, varying sounds of the traditional music of Iran's diverse regions. While this wide musical experience gave him a taste and respect for many different styles, soon his musical journey began to lead him personally and professionally back to a career in acoustic music with deep Persian roots.
Shahab was very fortunate to have the opportunity to expand his knowledge and develop his talent through contact with some of the best Iranian musical masters of his time. One of these mentors was the legendary Iranian composer and singer of traditional music, Master Shahram Nazeri. 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 was recognized as one of the best Iranian guitar players by "The House of Music of Iran." He was home, with honors and awards, but more importantly, blessed with additional knowledge and experience that inspired new insight and a bright, shining idea. He was now able to recognize important similarities and differences, great and subtle, between Persian and Spanish music. He saw them as related, not quite brothers, more like cousins. 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.

	Tango Perso the song "Tango Perso" is based on Flamenco (Tango) form with Persian 4/4 rhythm elements and old Persian Sufi poem of Hafez Shiraz.		Persian & Flamenco Fusion (EthnoFlamenco)
	Noche Azul Noche Azul (Blue Night) is a dialogue between two cultures by means of two native instruments of both Iran and Spain. Persian traditional poetic instrument Setar (a historic long necked lute) and dynamic Flamenco Guitar.		Persian & Flamenco Fusion (EthnoFlamenco)

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