Assad’s writing in this collection reflects his signature "two-guitar sound," a byproduct of his decades performing in the Assad Brothers
: Each study is titled after a composer or musician, often ending in "-iana" to denote the influence. Examples include:
are the antidote. They force the guitarist to become a musician first and a technician second. They demand that you listen to Pixinguinha, to Tom Jobim, to Hermeto Pascoal. They are a masterclass in rhythm, harmony, and the unique sonority of nylon strings.