Amira Kheir - Alsahraa (2014)

As one of a growing number of her admirers has remarked, Amira Kheir possesses ''an identity that transcends geography.'' Born to Sudanese parents in Italy, Amira grew up in two cultures. She makes her home now in a third - London, England - where transcending geography is also what she does with her music. Her original songs blend the folk and classical styles of the Sahara with jazz, Latin grooves and the laid-back side of American soul music, delivered with the vibrancy of multicultural London. Her lyrics, whether in Arabic, Italian or English, explore themes of home, transience, identity and spirituality in the modern world.

Amira's debut album, View from Somewhere, has been lauded as ''bold and poetic...beautiful and fearless'' (Songlines). ''A charming performer... comfortable with both high drama and intimate balladry'' (The Independent), Miss Kheir has appeared on some of the most prestigious stages in Europe and Africa. Her concert has been described as ''a stunning set infused with many influences but anchored in the sounds and identity of her homeland Sudan'' (Fly Global Music).

Now comes her second release. Recorded in a Gothic chapel with only a guitar, a double bass, hand drums and light touches of other acoustic instruments to accompany Amira's beguiling voice, this album is as starkly beautiful as the place for which it is named: Alsahraa - The Desert.

Tracklist:
2:37 | 01. Amira Kheir - Ya Gadir
5:08 | 02. Amira Kheir - Alsahraa
6:11 | 03. Amira Kheir - Habibi Ta'al
4:30 | 04. Amira Kheir - Ya Mara
5:28 | 05. Amira Kheir - Luna
4:01 | 06. Amira Kheir - Sera
4:58 | 07. Amira Kheir - Kasr Almiraya
6:20 | 08. Amira Kheir - Ma'assalama Rafiqi
6:42 | 09. Amira Kheir - Fil Teyf
6:02 | 10. Amira Kheir - Khallooni