Black Diamonds
Sterns, 2025
9/10
The Sudanese-Italian singer-songwriter, Amira Kheir, fleshes out an emotive ode to her Sudanese and African ancestry via these 9 powerful and diverse songs.
“River” starts the listen with Ant Law’s spirited guitar alongside Kheir’s soulful and expressive voice that helps the tune build into melodic gestures, and “Fi Mowdi Aljamal” follows with Nadir Ramzy’s warm oud that suits the many vocals of the cultured and rhythmic setting.
In the middle, “Ard Alafrah” floats lightly with much ambience and dreaminess that’s thoughtful and poetic, while “Zenuba” allows for Kheir’s voice to soar amid Leandro Mancini-Olivos’ playful drumming and the many elegant strings.
Arriving late, “Sid Redi” welcomes Jally Kebba Susso’s meticulous kora playing that helps illuminate the worldly beauty of the album’s best, and “Black Diamonds” exits with Sam Crowe’s sophisticated keys alongside the stunning singing that stirs the soul.
An extremely accomplished listen, Kheir explores jazz, rock, folk and blues from many angles across the globe, where this 4th album leaves an enlightening and inestimable impression from a very distinct voice.
Travels well with: LINA_ & Jules Maxwell- Terra Mãe; Andrew Massey Duo- from the roots… new branches