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Najma's "Atish" A Perfect blending of East and West!

04/16/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Atish is Indian vocalist Najma's third, and probably her finest offering to date. It can rightly be said that Najma has succeeded in blending both Indian pop and Indian traditional music with western jazz-rock fusion. Backing up her marvelous vocals on this disc are traditional Indian tabla drums, electric bass, guitar, violin, and keyboards. The title track, Atish Fishan, begins with traditional tabla drumming and a chant-like vocal passage. Then, violin and keyboards introduce a unison melody somewhat Indian, but somehow reminiscent of Chick Corea's early works with Return to Forever. Gracefully the song progresses from traditional Indian, to jazz fusion, then to pop, and then back again all within the confines of one song! The bass playing is rather spectacular as well, in the styles of Jaco Pastorius or Jeff Berlin. The second cut entitled "Naina" is probably the most beautiful and demanding vocally on the entire disk. Najma's voice, with all of its lilts and grace notes, sounds very much like someone is playing her like a sitar string! Its the only way to accurately describe it. In "Naina," Najma shines brilliantly. Both her song writing ability, as well as her flawless vocals are unsurpassed. Naina is a beautifully crafted song not to be missed. Her talent for joining the elements of east and west are perfected within this track.I felt that the weakest part of the cd might be the track "Faithless Love." Its sung in English predominated by an electric piano accompaniment. It lacks strength, emotion and purpose. Since Najma is sort of investigating a number of different musical styles on Atish, she is just trying her hand at some gospel as well. Its a great effort, but not necessary. Najma's real talent is in her subtle blending of different musical traditions. So if you like real "World Music," then you'll love Najma's "Atish." Its a perfect blending of east and west!"

Breathtaking

KHANIA@boat.bt.com | London | 10/09/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Najma's clarity and classical trained voice along with evident emotion in songs like Apne Hathon Parvanon come through beautifully. Along of course with the superb accompanying East/West mix of musical instruments. She offers to me a truly unique voice and meaning to East/West music."