NuRiya, Tanita, Musica Almaya

 Nuriya draws on her eclectic heritage for her wailing, Latin, Middle Eastern fusion mix.  She is the modern nomad of a certain sort, her family initially immigrated from Iraq and Syria to Mexico and she now trains and tours in Mexico, LA, New York, Israel, Europe.  “Tanita,” the title of this album means “little gypsy” and it lives up to its name.  

Nuriya shows mastery of a broad range of world music styles and genres.  The swelling multi-layered, cross cultural percussive sounds range from flamenco to afro-cuban drumming to Hebrew and Arabic melodies.  These are weaved into a sensual, expertly crafted, virtuosic fabric of complex harmonies and rhythms.  This music is not for everyone.  If you are looking for world music that is tied to specific, organic cultures and traditions, or that show the rougher, grittier side of folk music, this is not for you. 

This is an album that perhaps, gives you more world flavor than world substance.  However, if you like a little rousing, spicy exotica in your life, if you came away from the Buena Vista Social Club film feeling uplifted and joyous, then this album will give you more of the same.