ATISH (Fire), 1989 - Triple Earth Records
‘Atish’ was the artistic collaborative product between Najma and producers, Iain Scott & Bunt Stafford Clarke of Triple Earth Records. ‘Atish’ features an enjoyable mix of musical styles from the Indian sub-continent, subtle elements of jazz and other western influences that combine Najma's versatile voice to create a magical musical journey.
The opening track ‘Atish Fishan’, based on raga Gaujri Toodi, has a lively hypnotic rhythmic intro that immediately sweeps you into another world and ‘Naina Lage Re’, uses the Thoomri aspect to the lyrics and by using a 14 beat gentle rhythm cycle with fluid vocals and jazz, becomes a very atmospheric song. The jazz elements work particularly well in the soulful, slightly bluesy Ghazal ‘Apne Hathon’ with the soaring sax complementing the Indian style vocals. Again, in addition to Ghazal, Najma’s own compositions were pushed further forward with other genres, such as Qawali,, Punjabi and Sufi Qalam (Spiritual song) and she was also challenged by covering a Country and Western classic song titled 'Faithless Love' written by J.D. Suther. With this diverse selection of songs, there is something to suit every mood bringing the albums compliment of languages to four. The music is a little more adventurous in terms of arrangement and style but keeping true to the use of subtle jazz arrangements. With 'Atish', Najma has once again received critical acclaim, and has attracted wide audiences reaching No 4 in the Billboard World Music Chart.
"Atish transcends linguistic barriers (and) exists as a clear pointer to the future." Music Week
"This is immaculate music." The Guardian
Her arrangements of the ancient songs are more intricate and creative, she sings with greater control and occasional blues intonation’
International Herald Tribune – Mike Zwerin
Atish offers atoner superb demonstration of Najma’s ability to fuse the modern and traditional without selling either short. A unique melange of Asian forms with jazz, rock, even country, that should delight admirers and win a wider new audience.
Tradewinds UK
Najma’s beautiful voice sometimes double tracked, floats and swoops over arrangements and rhythms that are definitely India-meets- London 1989 in a melting pot style.
The Beat U.S.
The opening track ‘Atish Fishan’, based on raga Gaujri Toodi, has a lively hypnotic rhythmic intro that immediately sweeps you into another world and ‘Naina Lage Re’, uses the Thoomri aspect to the lyrics and by using a 14 beat gentle rhythm cycle with fluid vocals and jazz, becomes a very atmospheric song. The jazz elements work particularly well in the soulful, slightly bluesy Ghazal ‘Apne Hathon’ with the soaring sax complementing the Indian style vocals. Again, in addition to Ghazal, Najma’s own compositions were pushed further forward with other genres, such as Qawali,, Punjabi and Sufi Qalam (Spiritual song) and she was also challenged by covering a Country and Western classic song titled 'Faithless Love' written by J.D. Suther. With this diverse selection of songs, there is something to suit every mood bringing the albums compliment of languages to four. The music is a little more adventurous in terms of arrangement and style but keeping true to the use of subtle jazz arrangements. With 'Atish', Najma has once again received critical acclaim, and has attracted wide audiences reaching No 4 in the Billboard World Music Chart.
"Atish transcends linguistic barriers (and) exists as a clear pointer to the future." Music Week
"This is immaculate music." The Guardian
Her arrangements of the ancient songs are more intricate and creative, she sings with greater control and occasional blues intonation’
International Herald Tribune – Mike Zwerin
Atish offers atoner superb demonstration of Najma’s ability to fuse the modern and traditional without selling either short. A unique melange of Asian forms with jazz, rock, even country, that should delight admirers and win a wider new audience.
Tradewinds UK
Najma’s beautiful voice sometimes double tracked, floats and swoops over arrangements and rhythms that are definitely India-meets- London 1989 in a melting pot style.
The Beat U.S.