Natacha Atlas - Ana Hina (2008)

2008 release recorded with the Mazeeka Ensemble, Ana Hina is new direction for Middle Eastern music icon and singing sensation Natacha Atlas. The album finds Natacha exploring a more traditional roots world, again infusing Oriental and Western music but looking to the past to uncover a rich history of musical collaboration.

Review
Quite apart from her own prodigious talent, Natacha Atlas has always been extremely shrewd in her choice of musical partners. Jah Wobble, Nitin Sawhney and Transglobal Underground are but some of them and, on her latest recording, she adds the maverick arranger Harvey Brough to the list. At first listening, Ana Hina seems to represent an abrupt left turn, as there is not a loping drum-loop to be heard and droning synthesizers are replaced by a tastefully arranged string quartet. And, while half of the tracks are Arab classics, many of the arrangements owe more to tango than raqs sharki. Not that any of this should surprise us, for Atlas has always been an unashamed magpie when looking for inspiration. The influence of Lebanese superstar Fairuz is never far away and three of the songs are by her mentors and composers, the Rahbani Brothers. However, where their orchestrations can drown you in syrupy sweetness, these renditions have a steely restraint. There have been moments in Atlas' recent albums when she has edged towards the maudlin but here we find a deeper wisdom and even joie-de-vivre in its place. She clearly enjoyed working with a new team of musicians, and most notable amongst these is the singer and guitarist, Clara Sanabras. A darling of the early music fraternity, her contributions are utterly enchanting and the duet on La Vida Callenda is pure delight. Just as Natacha Atlas' future looked a little uncertain, she presents us with something alluring, intriguing and extremely witty. (5 stars) –Bill Badley, Songlines

Tracklist
1. Ya Laure Hobouki [Oh Laure, My Love to You]
2. Beny ou Benak Eih [What's Between Me and You? I Wish You'd Tell Me?]
3. Ana Hina [I'm Here]
4. Shou el Haki [Why the Need to Talk]
5. Black Is the Colour
6. Teetab Alayi [Don't Blame Me]
7. Vida Callada [the Unspoken Life]
8. Hayati Inta Reprise (Hayatak Ana) [You're My Life and I Am Your Life]
9. Asil [Sunset]
10. Lammebada
11. He Hesitated
12. Nowm