Brand new album from the acclaimed lead vocalist of Jah Wobble's Invaders of the Heart and Transglobal Underground. Natacha Atlas comes together with Orchestra de Chambre de Toulouse fo her first live album and the first time her repertoire has been performed with classical arrangements. Natacha Atlas has never been daunted by the prospect of trying something different, which is why her latest release will come as no surprise to her many ardent fans and followers. Last year, at the request of Jean-Laurent Paolini (the director of the prestigious Theatre National de Toulouse), Atlas and her band performed a mix of new, previously unreleased songs alongside tracks from her last album, Mounqaliba with the Orchestre de Chambre de Toulouse. With the show selling out 6 months in advance, the decision was made to record the performance and Atlas's long-time friend, the internationally-famed designer, Christian Louboutin, elected to be the executive producer. The result is Live in Toulouse. This album showcases the natural evolution of one of the world's most mesmerising and unique voices, continuing Atlas's incomparable practice of breaking down cultural and musical barriers. In this most recent project, Atlas effortlessly integrates a heady mix of jazz musicians, Arabic folkloric musicians and a full Western orchestra, moving fluidly between classical Western harmonies and traditional Eastern modalities to give rise to a wholly ground-breaking musical experience.
K**E
Beautifully expressed!
Anyone who knows and likes Natacha Atlas’s music understands that she has built up an incredible and varied body of work and this live album bringing together her own musicians and the Toulouse Chamber Orchestra is a new and exciting progression. I have become a fan only recently, but this CD makes me glad that I have. Every track is multi-layered, which allows the beauty of the singing and the rich and wonderful sound of the orchestra and the band instruments to shine through. It is music that you can enjoy again and again. Lucky concert goers of Toulouse who were there at the birth of this album! Formidable!
J**N
It stays with you, forever
I have always remembered Natacha's role it the early-mid 90's UK's dance house scene as part time member of the Transglobal Underground, especially on International Times. She also did some outstanding performances on early Jah Wobble projects and gave some helping hand on Bjork's Venus as a Boy on her debut album, Debut. Then I missed some years, I met my wife, had two sons, age of Internet, mobile and smart phone etc. came (and went), and one day while on Facebook, It slipped into my mind to check the name "Natacha Atlas" and it came up right away! So, it did not take long until I received message from her fb page about her forthcoming album, "Expressions - Live in Toulouse". I pre-ordered a copy right away, a couple of weeks later I received it. So, if you are for the sensual, sophisticated, dreamy-magical mid-east sound, this one is for you, not to mention Natacha's true natural warm voice! I can't find a weak spot here, perhaps some will miss the use of electronic instruments but that was obviously not the intention here. A beautiful outcome, with grand setting, exotic atmosphere at most times and sensuality all through it, I give it five stars. Thank you Natacha!
W**L
exquisite
This is a stunning and beautiful album, full of pieces that I listen to over and over. But more than that, many of them would be individually brilliant as film tracks or pieces for ballets. I loved the original 'River Man' song by Nick Drake, but Natacha's version turns it into heartbreaking beauty. Blimey. Exquisite.
A**R
...but beware
this is a lovely, warm, beautiful album,and I'd recommend it whole-heartedly to anyone, but be warned, if you're after 'river man' only, the track named river man here isn't it! it's the following track called "sa'alni el-leyl". don't ask. I have no idea why. they might even have put it right by now, but do check.
L**N
live in toulouse
I normally don't go for live albums, but I have to say : this one REALLY stands out ! The musicians are world class, and the singing: simply divine. Atlas' meteorical flights have the wonderfully transcendental effect of all the great divas, arabic or otherwise. Speaking of which, I don't speak arabic, so I thought initially the album might lose me, but actually the fact that it is mainly sung in arabic never detracts from the experience, as the music is presented in a way that while being "high art" (orchestral, classical, expansive sounding), it's never fussy or exclusive. It perfectly strikes the balance between East and West, Classical and Jazz..and so much more. If you like music, you will LOVE this album.
J**M
Expressions Live in Toulouse Natacha Atlas
Was really ready to love this album as I adored Diaspora however the songs seemed watered down and without the driving beats and complexity of Diaspora. I am a huge Atlas fan however so probably this is best suited for quietish dinner parties.
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