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Natacha Atlas and the Mazeeka Ensemble Hit it Big with ‘Ana Hina’

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International superstar Natacha Atlas has teamed up with "The Mazeeka Ensemble" for her new CD ‘Ana Hina.’ Natacha Atlas is a Belgian singer famous for her Arabic singing fused with modern western music. Her previous recordings have made her name synonymous with world music. Her work with the band Trans-Global Underground became the main influence for her version of international fusion music. Atlas also recorded and was influenced by Jah Wobble, who famous for his superb heavy bass playing. Natacha Atlas 

In the Beginning

Starting in 1995, she launched her solo career with the album Diaspora. As she became well known for her fusion music and her expertise in belly dancing, Atlas started recording songs that received a lot of air play and record sales. After the release of her first album, Natacha worked non-stop writing new material that eventually enabled her to put out a great selection of albums such as Halim, Gedida, Ayeshteni, Foretold in the Language of Dreams, Something Dangerous and Mish Maoul. With the majority of her work sung in Arabic, the mood of each song she created led the listener into a true feeling that music is really the international language.

With seven CD’s under her belt, Natacha Atlas wanted to change directions with her eighth recording entitled Ana Hina. Recording with veteran musicians known as "The Mazeeka Ensemble", Atlas ventured back in time performing Arabic classics and some originals that all had a modern sultry groove. Ana Hina represents her original roots yet the brilliant musicianship coupled with her elegant vocals makes this CD a modern day miracle. Her collaboration with veteran musician and composer Harvey Brough, enabled her to keep a slightly modern western feel to this traditional recording. The end result of this recording will be huge turning point in the long career of Natacha Atlas. She has opened up a new market for herself by hitting the record buying forty and over crowd and at the same time keeping her fans of twenty years wanting more.

The hottest track is a re-make of Hayati Inta from her last CD, Mish Maoul. This new arrangement has such a cool groove to it you will want to go on vacation. Natacha also did a remake of the classic ‘Black is the Colour.’ Her vocal performance will bring tears to your eyes. As every song has its own individuality, Natacha ends the CD with a track called El Nowm. To understand this song you would have to visit her masterpiece collaboration with Marc Eagleton called ‘Foretold in the Language of Dreams.’ The mood and feeling she creates will make you realize Natacha Atlas has lived many times before. As most of us stumble through life as a first timer, Natacha Atlas brings thousands of years of reincarnated spirit to her music. This is a five star CD that will keep Natacha Atlas busy on the road for quite some time.

 

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Duke James