Biography

Shahab Tolouie 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. Shahab Tolouie's musical contribution, which he calls EthnoFlamenco or Persian&Flamenco fusion, has been described by the world’s media heavyweights as timeless, and unique.

Shahab’s wide musical experience has grown 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. The Andalusian background of his music originates in Spanish cultural nexus Sevilla where Shahab studied his flamenco master course, attaining the highest level of achievement, "Nivel Alto").  Shahab’s embrace of diversity is what makes his performance an unforgettable multicultural musical experience that ranges from East to West, from the mysticism of Dervishes to the passion of Flamenco. The richness of Shahab’s traditional influences is greatly appreciated by discerning audiences from west to east. No matter if you like solo guitar, dervish music, jazz or flamenco, Shahab’s dramatically personal improvisational language is the bridge that guides the spirit effortlessly across all borders.

Shahab’s multicultural show is a euphoric experience, either as a solo concert, or accompanied by the quartet and quintet. He plays a variety of traditional Persian instruments such as setar, laud and mandola in addition to his signature flamenco guitar, as well as the unique-sounding fretless guitar, often employing guitar tunings he has devised in accord with those of old Persian instruments, and his band provide an accompaniment incorporating Persian, Indian and Jazz flavours (on double bass, jazz guitar, mandola, sitar) besides ethnic and jazz percussion and drums (daf, tombak, tabla, riq, congas, bongo, cajon, chimes, etcetera).

Even though theoretical considerations regarding Shahab’s interpretations of musical traditions in his particular fusion have gained a lot of attention, it is his voice that remains his most important instrument. It is a  powerful and dynamic voice, flavoured with a special richness typical of eastern vocalists.
Shahab’s complex arrangements in combination with his unique manner of singing make his voice the pivotal agent that facilitates the listener’s understanding of a music which is founded upon the original words of the greatest mystical poets of all time, from "The Book of Kings" of Ferdousi: the unique Ghazals of Hafez and the wisdom of Moulana Rumi. Even if Persian language is not the poetical language of your land, you feel the lyrics because in this music the heart speaks and the soul hears.