Search - Sawt El Atlas :: Donia

Donia
Sawt El Atlas
Donia
Genres: International Music, Pop
 
  •  Track Listings (12) - Disc #1

On Donia, Sawt El Atlas deliver 12 odes to love. Many members of the band are of Moroccan origin but grew up in France, giving the group a cross-cultural perspective both musically and lyrically (the lyrics here are in ...  more »

     
?

Larger Image

CD Details

All Artists: Sawt El Atlas
Title: Donia
Members Wishing: 1
Total Copies: 0
Label: Tinder
Release Date: 7/10/2001
Genres: International Music, Pop
Style: Africa
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 789428610021

Synopsis

Amazon.com
On Donia, Sawt El Atlas deliver 12 odes to love. Many members of the band are of Moroccan origin but grew up in France, giving the group a cross-cultural perspective both musically and lyrically (the lyrics here are in French or Arabic, dependent upon the song). Fronted by vocalists and songwriters Kamel El Habchi and Mounir Mirghani, who are only in their early 20s, the group combines elements of Middle Eastern, reggae, Latin, funk, and dance music into a lively pop blend that is continually upbeat. There are many interesting moments within Donia--Egyptian string orchestra over pulsating bass and beats ("Ne me jugez pas"), the soulful vocals of Natacha Atlas paired with live dumbek and programmed rhythms ("Ness"), and flamenco guitars woven into a pop setting ("Andalucia"). Some may find Sawt El Atlas a little too mainstream in its fusion, but this group performs its peppy world pop with zeal. It may be hard to resist the urge to groove along. --Bryan Reesman

Similar CDs


Similarly Requested CDs

 

CD Reviews

Sawt El Atlas Live
Craig Correa | Seattle, Planet Earth | 07/30/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)

"These guys just played at WOMAD in Seattle on July 29, and wow! They were awesome! I didn't stay for the whole set (holding my spot for Peter Gabriel & Afro Celt won out) and I didn't have time to pick up a CD there, so I'm ordering it here. From the little I did hear and from the enthusiastic crowd they drew, I'm really impressed. I'm really looking forward to this CD arriving!"
This rocked!!
Jackie | United States | 01/18/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)

"i am usually a fan of the great cheb mami, but when i saw this at the store, i couldn't resist.i really like "ne me judgez pas," and even if you don't speak arabic or french (i speak both, but all my friends like the album) you will find yourself dancing along within the first 30 seconds of "ne me Judgez pas" or "ness". a must for arab music fans and those who dont even like arab music. its also a great cd to work out to! it keeps you going!!"
Great Moroccan World-Dance-Pop
Shantell Powell | 07/18/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)

"Algerian Rai meets Moroccan club pop meets what else? Sawt el Atlas are cool enough that their mix of percussion, beats, and Arabic vocals sounds just right as world music, quick-pulse dance sounds, or whatever. They cut some of "Donia" in Paris, with Sodi, the producer of Les Negresses Vertes, Femi Kuti, and others at the controls. They finished it in Cairo, surely a music freak's mecca--just check out the Egyptian strings, small percussion instruments, and general vibe. Unforgettable. Natacha Atlas drops in for vocals on "Ness" and all of Donia is just spectacularly global. They've toured with Massilia Sound System, Khaled, Cheb Mami, Keziah Jones, Tonton David, and more. So if that's your thing, rock this."