Christine Atallah and The Bassalindos
Born in the winter North, there is nothing cold about the blazingly hot new star Christine Atallah who took to the bright lights early, making her first television appearance at the remarkable age of four years old. Born in a conservative Arabic family, she heeded her musical calling early and ran away from home at 17. Still a rebel today, she commands attention, speaks out for women and is a fascinating and erudite entertainer. This belly-dancing, sensual Diva of operatic training, is born for to perform, born to sing. Her voice has been compared to Natacha Atlas, Fairuz and Souad Masi with shades of Kate Bush. Her band- The Bassalindos, have been likened to Pink Martini and the Gypsy Kings, yet they sound like no one else. Christine had early training in classical singing and this led on a memorable onscreen performance in an Academy Award nominated film Jesus de Montreal.Christine took to the screen and sang for the soundtrack in three memorable movements from Pergolesi's Sabat Mater. The film swept the Genie Awards in Canada and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Film. Until this day, people remember the hauntingly beautiful singing of the intense, dark haired beauty. Christine's vocal beauty, inspiring poetry and melodies on plaintive Middle Eastern keys collide beautifully with Western jazz scales and pop chords to soar and surprise. The instruments are exotic- the oud, the kanoun, mixed in atop acoustic jazz instruments weaved with catchy pop choruses and memorable melodies. In her original compositions, Christine?s sensuous voice highlights the unique blend of Arabic, Latin, jazz and pop facets into a rare gem. The music and lyrics are unforgettable and the tempi evocative of the percussion of desert countries, harem princesses, and moonlight nights on the dunes under the stars. You will be enchanted and want to embark on Escapdes time and again.
Christine was literally discovered out of a cast of a thousand in a megalithic tour of Verdi's opera: Aida. Later, in New York she composed original compositions alongside producer Clifford Anderson of the Sonny Rollins Band. While in New York City, she composed, studied dance, recorded and appeared in more films and music videos. She completed her university training in music with distinction and founded The Bassalindos, selling out notable festivals and getting rave reviews for her sophisticated and innovative multilingual world-pop sound.
Throughout all this, a musical alliance was forged between her and illustrious Canadian composer John Winiarz, that stands until today. She is described by the composer as "profoundly affecting" his creative work.Christine keeps up her classical chops and sings several styles of music with great ease and authority. She has sung with notable Montreal jazz pianist Billy Georgette. Her main writing collaborator is Danny McLaughlin. Christine and Danny like to head out of the city to a country chalet where they withdraw from the world and have the writing sessions in which they write most of their music.
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