CD Review: Ghalia Benali's 'Romeo & Leila'

Ghalia Benali

Romeo & Leila

Music & Words

A Belgian/Tunisian singer, Ghalia Benali, tells the story of two different people, Romeo & Leila, throughout the nine tracks. The story of Romeo & Leila is as powerful as the stories of Romeo & Juliet or Layla & Majnun. However, Ghalia sings in literary Arabic to capture the magical feeling of the language and movement of the story. The music is very akin to Azerbaijani folk, Turkish folk, or North Africa traditional music. Ghalia's vocals are very moving and equally in stride with the oud, cello, double bass, and assorted percussion. Overall, the music is rather traditional in scope. The instrumental segments are a perfect accompaniment between Ghalia's vocal sections. Though, it is a joy to hear both her voice and the instruments in tandem, too. Fans of North African music, folk and classical music of Central Asia, and female vocal music will find happiness and love with Romeo & Leila. Liner notes are in English and French. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Ghalia Benali & Bert Cornelis

Ghalia Benali & Bert Cornelis

Al Palna

Music & Words

The Tunisian and Belgian duo, Ghalia Benali and Bert Cornelis present songs from a place of complete inner beauty. Essentially, Ghalia's classical voice and Bert's sitar work along with additional instrumentation bridging the gap between North Africa and South Asia are the result of an eclectic group of musicians from Iraq, India and Morocco. The dreamy, almost meditative quality of the instruments and sparse vocals unleash the mind's heightened states of wellbeing. The translation of 'Al Palna' is The Cradle. In that regard, the music reminds one of child-like wonderment and innocence. The musical nature of Al Palna is well-suited for fans of traditional Middle Eastern and North African music. If you are a fan of inventive sitar playing, Sufi-like and Sheila Chandra-esque vocals, then begin with the music from the 'cradle'. ~ Matthew Forss