Ana Hina

by

Natacha Atlas & the Mazeeka Ensemble

Edit

Natacha Atlas is nothing short of amazing. Aside from possessing a phenomenal voice, she is one of those artists who constantly can re-invent themselves with each new release, freely blending Arabic, western and even eastern influences together to create something new. And she does so once again on 'Ana Hina,' her most recent release.

Actually, it might be more accurate to say that this album is a return to her roots, as it were, as her gentle, melodic voice takes center stage here, accompanied by a lush, rich orchestra that would have been well suited to the great legends of classical Arabic music. Appropriately enough, Natacha Atlas uses this as a chance to cover songs made famous by her heroes like Abdel Halim Hafez and the legendary Fairuz of Lebanon. She also does a stunning rendition of 'Lammebada,' a classical Andalusian mwashah that dates back to Moorish Spain, and an original piece called 'El Noum' which was inspired by the work of Zad Moultaka.

But true to her eclectic and ever nomadic style, Natacha Atlas' influences range well beyond the Arabic-speaking world. She also performs everything from an original Frida Kahlo song ('La Vida Callada') to the Appalachian ballad 'Black is the Colour.' The latter song is especially well-suited for Natacha Atlas' voice and melissmatic style of singing, allowing her to showcase her talents in a language western audiences might be more familiar with. There is a re-interpretation of 'Hayati Inta,' from her recent 'Mish Maoul' album, and another original composition titled 'He Hesitated,' a song about a soldier deciding whether or not to shoot. It is especially poignant in light of the unfortunate recent US-led invasion of Iraq, and Israel's attacks on Lebanon.

Over all, this is yet another excellent release from Natacha Atlas. Those of you fortunate enough to have seen her in concert recently (as I was) will no doubt recognize some of the songs she sings here. And if you haven't, then I really suggest picking up this CD. It's really a return to Cairo's 'golden age' of Arabic music. Even if you've never heard Natacha Atlas before, if you love the music of Abdel Halim Hafez, Oum Kalthoum, Fairuz, Farid al-Atrache, Muhammad Abdel Wahhab and the like, then you will fall in love with Natacha Atlas' unique style of music. And also check out her recent 'Mish Maoul' album and the 'Best of Collection.'