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Sen

Sevara Nazarkhan

Sen sees the irrepressible, ever curious Uzbek world music diva Sevara Nazarkhan leaping boldly into contemporary writing and production. Sen ('you' in Uzbek) - is the album Sevara has always wanted to make: a looping, shimmering, beats-laden gem underscored by traditional instrumentation with Uzbek-language lyrics sent soaring by her unforgettable voice.

Sen was produced by Sevara in collaboration with Russian electro-techno wizard Victor Sologub and the West Country's much-touted Bruno Ellingham. Although an outstanding studio production 'Sen' is energized by the spirit of her live performance. Onstage, Sevara is a whirl of joyous, co-ordinated movement; her love of live expression is as palpable as her spontaneous, child-like nature.

Sevara was determined to pour exactly the right emotion and power into each and every track, re-recorded all of her glorious vocals - including all the backing arrangements - until they did precisely that. "There were never any constraints on me with this album," she says happily, "That freedom helped me create an album that I am very, very proud of."

Sen is a gorgeous, song-driven album, as melodious as it is danceable, as harmonious as it is edgy. It's an album that treads both traditional and contemporary paths - a reflection of the modern day Silk Road.

"Is 'Sen' traditional or contemporary?" Sevara Nazarkhan gives a good-natured shrug. "That's for other people to decide. But either way," she says, shaking out her long dark hair and flashing a dazzling smile. "Sen is who I am."

[sen] at realworldrecords.com