Hafla

Siwan", the transcultural", trans-idiomatic musical collective led by Norwegian keyboardist/composer Jon Balke", continues along its special path with new music inspired by the creative spirit of Al-Andalus. The ensemble weaves lines of communication between musicians from multiple traditions and locations. Among the texts set by Balke on Siwan's third album (and persuasively sung by Algerian vocalist Mona Boutchebak) are verses by Ummayad princess Wallada bint al-Mustakfi and contemporaries.