Azam Ali’s Elysium for the Brave (6º) is a testament to the many roads she has walked on. Born in Iran, raised in India, she was introduced to Western musical culture when she arrived in Los Angeles in 85. Her first band Vast made a name for itself on the World Music circuit, and the ethereal purity of her voice has long been thought after, resulting in collaborations with Crystal Method, the Japanese drumming ensemble Kodo, and Tweaker (AKA Chris Vrenna formerly of NIN) to name a few. She more recently formed the band Niyaz, with two time Grammy nominee producer/Remixer Carmen Rizzo, which debuted at number one on I-Tunes’ World Music charts. Rizzo is present also on Elysium, as is Dead Can Dance collaborator Jeff Rona, film composer Tyler Bates, Trey Gunn and Pat Matelotto of King Crimson, and the classical violinist Kiavash Nourai and Loga Ramin Torkian. Comparisons with Lisa Gerard (DCD) will surely abound, as Azam also plays the hammered dulcimer. This culturally hybrid sound that is nothing short of blissful and the arrangements reveal a deep study of both oriental and western musical heritage, meticulously crafted into a multi-faceted jewel. Singing in English for the first time, Azam’s voice is a syren’s call beckoning the soul to leap into realms of infinite beauty. Elysium then becomes more than a record. It is heaven.