23rd July 2020: #WhirlwindInFocus: Hazy, fluttering vocals from Natacha Atlas in exclusive acapella versions of her Whirlwind album ‘Strange Days’

The number of musicians celebrating musical diversity is stronger than ever, enthusiastically fusing styles, genres and cultures. But few combine the traditions in as integral a way as Natacha Atlas on her Whirlwind release Strange Days.

According to Natacha, the album is a “culmination of what I want to express through music – my hybridity and duality between the Middle East and Europe.” And this duality seeps into the DNA of every one of Strange Days‘ musical gestures.

In this exclusive #WhirlwindInFocus feature, we hear two tracks from Strange Days, reimagined as solo vocal pieces. ‘Out Of Time’ immediately demonstrates the parallels between Arabic music and jazz, introducing the hazy, fluttering vocals of Atlas in a tune that exudes sophistication. On the album, Atlas forms a strong musical partnership with violinist and arranger Samy Bishai, that immediately shares her personal duality with a like-minded individual.

‘Out Of Time’ becomes more urgent and direct in this acapella situation. This contrasts with the undulating riffs of ‘All The Madness’, the other track featured here. Together, they give a personal perspective on two of the standout tracks from this most distinctive of albums.

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Natacha’s album Strange Days (featuring Samy Bishai, Hayden Powell, Joss Stone, Tanya Wells and Idris Rahman) is available now on 2x 12″ Gatefold LP / CD / DL: here

Have a follow of Natacha’s Instagram account @natachaatlas. Check out her acapella cover of ‘Black is the Colour’ in response to the death of George Floyd and in solidarity with the #BlackLivesMatter movement. You can stream Natacha’s music on Spotify and Apple Music.

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