Amann
Protomaterial, 2026
9/10
The vocalist Mounia Siwane is joined by some of Lyon, France’s best musicians for these 11 songs that take influence from popular melodies from the Al-Andalus era.
“Ya Saki” opens with Wendlavim Zabsonré’s bright drumming that complements the grooves and Siwane’s elegant and expressive voice, and “Noufous” follows with Stani Jardel’s warm guitar amid the light melodies and playful ideas.
“Belhawa” arrives in the middle and is strong on ambience via the intimate singing, scrappy drumming and Vincent Domergue’s electric bass prowess, while “Hamami” showcases Siwane’s adaptable pipes alongside the precise rhythm section and cultured songwriting.
Arriving late, “Shams” is richly textured with Mohamed M'Sahel’s careful percussion that suits the eloquent vocals, and “Ya Ness” exits with a busy and dynamic approach that swirls with an infectious, worldly appeal.
Jardel wrote this selections, and they’re fleshed out with modern jazz nods and a global appreciation that incorporate Abrabic music and improvisation with much skill and timelessness.
Travels well with: Stefan Lovin- Heaven Shines Like Silver; Copper Curios- Time