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Rating:
My tangibly gross ignorance does not allow me to know whether the latest effort granted by the highly talented, exotically graceful, vocally lapis lazuli Natacha can be qualitatively worthy and correctly compared to those of one of Her recognized and illustrious inspiring muses present within such a reinterpretative collection: the sublime vocalist Fairuz, an authentic institution of bel canto within the Arab musical world.
Throughout the twelve diverse moments gathered here, Atlas offers various and intriguing re-creations extracted from the repertoire of the seventy-three-year-old Lebanese: first and foremost, the evocative and sinuous adagio placed in the overture, the heartrending "Ya Laure Hobouki".
Among the most noteworthy fragments, perfectly supported by the refinedly exotic and subtly rich instrumental embroideries woven by the remarkable multi-ethnic ensemble The Mazeeka Ensemble*, I would highlight the intense vocalizations expressed in the energetic litany "La Teetab Alayi", as well as the fragments in which Our Artist explores backwards the ancient times among desertic suggestions (the spectacular "Lammebada") or grants celestial vocal overlaps ("La Vida Callada") finally materializing before our incredulous eyes formidable, floridly lush landscapes (the Irish standard "Black Is The Color"), portions where, not entirely expected with such magniloquence, intimate as well as intense moments of gratified auditory pleasure are experienced.
Merci beaucoup, Madame & Messieurs.
* Harvey Brough (piano/acoustic guitar/backing vocals); Clara Sanabras (baroque guitar/ukulele/vocals); Neil Charles (double bass); Louai Alhenawi (ney); Aly Abdel Alim (percussion/backing vocals); Samy Bishai (violin); Julian Ferraretto (viola); Ian Burdge (cello)
Tracklist
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