Download: Hindi Zahra, ‘Fascination’

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With her sultry flair that isn’t far from the smooth sounds that make both Sade and Billie Holiday so appealing, songstress Hindi Zahra has been gaining fans among critics – acquiring the Prix Constantin (France’s Mercury Prize) in 2010 – and listeners of folk, jazz and soul since her self-titled EP in 2009. Zahra now makes her American debut with her album, “Handmade,” a collection of songs appropriately titled considering her organic songwriting. However, it wasn’t always that way. The Franco-Morrocan singer-songwriter first started out providing backing vocals on hip-hop tunes, but it didn’t take her long to be able to leave the machines and loops for music that provided room for gypsy-tinted imagination. “Fascination” is a sweet, acoustic number showcasing her soothing yet textured vocals whereas other songs such as the whimsical ballad “Beautiful Tango” reflects her influences of Beber music, post-psychedelic Moroccan music, blues and desert rock ‘n’ roll.

||| Download: “Fascination” (via Filter)

[audio:http://www.mediafire.com/file/pomzdlicg6hovuh/Hindi_Zahra–Fascination_Album_Version_Remastered.mp3]

||| Watch: Check out her performance of “The Man I Love” below.

||| Live: Hindi Zahra plays Friday at El Rey Theatre as Tinariwen‘s special guest (along with TV on the Radio) as part of the Ooh LA L.A. Festival showcasing French artists. Set times and full lineup for the three-day long event are also after the jump.

Ooh LA L.A. Festival 2011
El Rey Theatre, 5515 Wilshire Blvd. (Doors open at 7 p.m.)
Sept. 29
Nouvelle Vague perform Dawn of Innocence w/ Hugh Coltman
Sept. 30th
Tinariwen, with special guests TV on the Radio, and Hindi Zahra
Oct. 1st
Etienne de Crecy
Birdy Nam Nam w/ DJ Cam (of Inflamable/ !K7)
FEADZ (Ed Banger)
Chateau Marmont w/ Revolver

Photo by Hassan Hajjaj