Overlooked, underplayed: CDs that deserve noting

August 13, 2006  

As the lead singer of world music groups Vas and Niyaz, Azam Ali sang a multicultural blend of ancient and modern styles. Ali makes impressive strides on her second solo album, working with an array of collaborators (Japanese percussionist Kodo, Chris Venna of Nine Inch Nails, Mercan Dede and Mickey Hart) on this intoxicating and original music. Iranian-born, India-reared Ali has a stunningly beautiful voice that seems to defy convention on this mostly-in-English album. The electronics enhance her rich, haunting voice and the often ancient-sounding instrumentation. This is world fusion music that soars beyond New Age in groundbreaking, thrilling ways.

Grade: A