Shahab Tolouie’s new album “Oxymoron,” arriving March 21, 2025, is a journey through life’s contradictions, expressed through his deeply personal guitar voice and a blend of musical worlds. The release date already traditionally coincides with Persian New Year and the Spring Equinox.
Musically, “Oxymoron” retains Shahab’s signature intricate rhythms and deceptively simple harmonies that have defined his previous works, yet it introduces a significant departure. At the heart of this transformation lies his guitar, tuned to his invention based on the Persian instrument Setar, unveiling a deeply personal voice. This unique tuning system allows for a new level of emotional expression.
This album marks a deliberate departure from the classical Persian poetry that characterizes his earlier works, instead embracing the contemporary lyrics of Mohammad Zarghami, reflecting the emotional landscape of present-day Iran and serving as a direct conduit for his own lived experiences.
“Oxymoron. A word that perfectly captures the contradictions and complexities of life. Awfully great. Horrendously fantastic. My own life has been a testament to this. Growing up amidst the turmoil of war and the oppressive silence of a music ban, I found solace and joy in music. I learned to embrace beauty within the chaos.”
The album’s four vocal-driven and socially conscious songs, including the earlier released singles “Pasokh,” “Yalda,” and “Nowruzvash,” stand as markers of their creation period, responding to the significant events in his homeland during widespread protests for freedom and equality, particularly for women.
“Oxymoron” remains true to Shahab’s experimental EthnoFlamenco style, demonstrating the endless inspiration found in the mutual cultural enrichment of Persian and Spanish traditions. His “unison” approach to harmony creates an accessible “eastern core,” while the complex rhythmic structures and dynamic shifts offer a deeper level of engagement.
“The title track, ‘Oxymoron,’ is a sonic embodiment of my life experiences,” he explains. “It is a dynamic piece that defies expectations, blending intricate rhythms with simple harmonies. I experimented with unconventional tunings, ultimately finding a unique voice for the guitar. The song seamlessly shifts between Persian 7/8 and Spanish 3/4, blending cultural influences.”
This is Shahab’s second album featuring his core Trio band members Gavrilo Alexič on bass and Petr Hádr on drums. He also collaborated with Iranian writer Razi Ansari, flautist Anna Kurková, and percussionist Tokhi on select tracks.
The album’s artwork is illustrated by Iranian-American artist Reza Saleh, a long-time friend of Shahab. Saleh’s fusion approach, blending Persian elements with modern expression, mirrors Shahab’s musical philosophy. Depicting “oxymoron” as two faces of light and shadow, the artwork visually articulates the album’s exploration of contrasting cultural messages.
For those familiar with Mr. Tolouie’s artistic journey, “Oxymoron” presents a new angle on his established style in comparison to his previous works, the albums “Tango Perso” and “Terra Mediterranea.” For those new to Tolouie’s work, “Oxymoron” serves as an introduction to an artist who transcends genre, offering a profound experience of how cultures enrich each other through musical expression.
This album was awarded the support of Czech OSA Partnership Program.
