Elysium for the Brave

I "discovered" Azam Ali by accident. I can't even remember where I first heard Reverie, but it haunted my thoughts until I finally purchased this disc. My review will be brief. Too many words could spoil this. It saddens me any tie I see someone refer to an artist like this as a "closet goth". It seems any time a lower key or brooding nature is given to music, it gets labeled as some way being "goth-like". I call BS. This is a melodic, yet fairly low key beat laden disc graced by what can only be described as one of the most amazing voices ever. Maybe I missed it, but why has no one ever mentioned Ofra Haza when talking about Azam? The comparison is deserved.

My husband likes this cd very much. His choice when drifting off to sleep.

What can I say other than it's the most sensuous CD this side of an "X" rating.

A very relaxing cd. She has a great voice and great lyrics. If you like this one, also check out her band Vas.

Azam Ali is an amazing New Age diva. She's more soulful than Enya, and her lyrics show a depth and mysticism not often found in relaxing New Age music. It's also not surprising that Azam Ali contributed the electrifying "Inama Nushif" to the "Children of Dune" soundtrack.

The opening track,"Endless Reverie",evokes vast desert spaces. It seduces the listener into a spiritual journey. "Spring Arrives" is a musical oasis. "Abode" sounds ancient and modern at once,in which Azam Ali sings of longing for her homeland of Iran. "Forty One Ways" has an urgency driving it forward, with its haunting opening "forty one ways to die,one strong will to live. " "The Tryst" is at once spiritual and erotic; Azam Ali sings of her own sin&being unworthy to enter her lover's garden (which almost sounds like Christian rock-yet it's not)."I am a stranger in this world" is unearthly,expressing desire for union with the eternal.

Azam Ali's spirituality shines in her songs. She does not resort to hoary,sappy cliches. It's as if Teresa of Avila's "The Interior Castle" or John of the Cross' "Ascent of Mount Carmel" were given sonic life. Azam Ali has had an amazing career so far;she headed Vas,now she fronts Niyaz.The best is yet to come.