Azam Ali: Portals of Grace

By GRAHAM REID

(Herald rating: * * * * )

Iranian-born singer Ali - formerly of the group Vas - grew up in India and moved to the United States in 85, so inevitably she was going to sing ... medieval European songs, right? But because of that background she brings a unique approach to these songs, which are in Latin, French, Arabic and Spanish.

With period instruments plus a colouring of Middle Eastern sounds, the songs never feel unearthed from manuscripts. They would make good travelling companions while you are striking out across the Sahara on camel, or hunkered down in a wine bar in Istanbul.

Imagine Enya meeting Liz (Cocteau Twins) Fraser in a Moroccan souk and getting musical tips and interesting songs over a pipe or two. Aside from the Celtic/Breton medley this is exotic, evocative and, in the context of world music, contemporary.

Label: Narada