Nawal
"Aman"; Nawal

Three and a half stars

The resonant grace of Nawal's slightly aged voice could not be more ideal for these deeply spiritual songs. Her forceful quavers and complicated chanting style have a directness that renders her mystical and worldly expression of wisdom into something clear and disarming. Nawal, who produces her own albums, comes from the Indian Ocean island nation of Comoros, and her sound draws on the sinuous beauty of Arabia as well as the rhythmic power of Africa. It seems to emerge from another time, but it's also cosmopolitan and groovy. Her small accompanying ensemble plucks, patters, undulates and rocks in an easygoing way that suits the spirit of the Sufism that imbues her lyrics, sung sometimes in French and English. The sound is so mesmerizing, yet also so lively, it's fitting for either trance or dance.

RIYL: Malouma, Ofra Haza
-- Jeff Gifford, Reno Gazette-Journal