From the trendy bars of Paris to the cosmopolitan bars of Cairo, Arabic music is experiencing a transformation. In France Arabic music is firmly established with Khaled having a recent number 1 hit. Arabic music is heard everywhere from trendy bars to cool boutiques where it evokes exotic images. Tranglobal Underground in Britain have helped this style of music become cutting edge and it is now an accepted part of any self-respecting DJ’s set. Cheb Mami featured on Stings Desert Rose album –the vibe is relentlessly growing in the USA as well. Arabic artists these days fuse their traditional Arabic vocals with western music styles. You don’t have to know what they are singing about-just soak up the exotic atmosphere and let the music take you. “Arabica” is an exotic and colourful blend of North African-influenced music, a mix of traditional styles with modern production techniques. It’s a fine introduction to the Middle East grooves, bringing together artists who share a passion for Arabic sounds. From the opening, a sensual and exotic feel rules the album, with Rachid Taha wonderful hit “Ya Rayah”, an uplifting track you can’t resist. From there on, we get a stunning collection of tunes, from veterans Cheb Mami “Marseillais du Nord”, Khaled’s remix of Didi to the new emerging breed of artists, the ambient vibe of Zohar’s Ehar”, a visit to the “Cairo bar” of Parisian Digital Bled and ALFA X’s stylish track “First Transmission”. Add more spices with the like of Radar, Nickodemus, the funky Dzihan & Kamien “Just you & I” and you have, with this excellent compilation, the perfect soundtrack for your trip around the grooves of Arabic music. This is a North African voyage in to sound.