Najma
Qareeb
Triple Earth Records (UK) 1987
Terra 103 (LP) w/insert.
sleeve : EX(SRW, wear on corner.)
media : EX/EX(some slightly noise.)
The 1987 debut album by Najma, an Indian-British female singer who drew attention amid the global rise of the world music movement from the 1980s onward, and who went on to leave behind six albums between 1987 and 2002. A singer known for performing jazz through the semi-classical ghazal tradition of India and Pakistan, said to trace its roots to Persia, Najma presents here a beautifully refined set shaped in the style of the late-1980s indie pop sound typified by Sheila Chandra’s work with Monsoon. Wet-sounding tabla and synthesizers blend perfectly with her near-transparent voice, resulting in a world music album with a strikingly crystal-clear texture. There is also a strong ambient / new age undercurrent running through the record, which adds greatly to its appeal. The pristine, unmistakably 1980s recording quality is another major plus. Recommended from start to finish.
A1: Neend Koyi
B1: Karoon Na Yad Magar