The Magic Spell of Natacha Atlas ...
Erika Borsos | Gulf Coast of FL, USA | 12/28/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Natacha Atlas manages to weave Egyptian/Arabic music into a mesmerizing experience with her English version of Screamin' Joe Hawkins "I put a spell on you" and the beautiful French tune, "Ne Me Quitte Pas" ... It is her smokey, sultry, sexy voice which will definitely do the trick if by chance the exotic Arabic music and instruments should fail ... *not* likely to happen.
The traditional and modern instruments, the oud, the darbouka (percussion) and drums, occasionally the violin, viola or cello, qanun, along with the clarinet and guitar create an exciting adventurous visit to an Arabic cafe ...The programming, back up vocals, and overall stylization of music is exceptional in creating a mood and feeling which is truly cultural and authentic.
The entire CD contains music and vocals which capture the listener's attention and captivate for the entire playing time ... Take a look at the cover, Natacha's voice sounds as enticing as her extraordinairy beauty ... She has an outstanding ability to interpret the traditional cultural Arabic vocals and music into mainstream music. It is a most precious gift. Erika Borsos (pepper flower)"
Sultry Arabica Meets Beautiful Electronica
A.L. | Boston, MA | 08/21/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I love this album. It is a sucsesful mix of great vocals (in French, Arabic and English) with wonerful production from the electronica artist Trans Global Underground. The creative, tight production values consistant with the rest of his work, and mix superbly with Natacha's already beautiful, sultry style.
All the songs are great, and her version of "I Put A Spell On You" leaves all others' versions of the song in the dust."