Mirrors Of My Soul

EDITORIAL REVIEWS
With The Mirrors of My Soul, Banna makes her international debut as a solo artist. Recorded and produced in Oslo by Erik Hillestad with Norwegian musicians Gjermund Silset (bass), David Wallumrød (keyboards), Rune Arnesen (drums) and Eivind Aarset (guitar), The Mirrors of My Soul is a collection of powerful, gripping songs about the hopes and tragedies of the Palestinian people. They include stories of children who have become martyrs in the Palestinian struggle for liberation, stories of sons jailed in Israeli prisons without ever being convicted by any court, stories of living in exile after being robbed of house and home as well as Palestinian folk songs. All the songs are performed in Arabic and many were composed by Banna and her husband, guitarist Leonid Alexeinco with lyrics written by Bannaâs mother.

ABOUT THE ARTIST
Palestinian singer/songwriter Rim Bannaâs first introduction to an American audience came with the critically acclaimed 2004 Valley Entertainment release, Lullabies from the Axis of Evil. She performed two songs on the CD: the traditional âYa Lel Ma Atwalk (This Never Ending Night)â with Norwegian Kari Bremnes and her own composition, âNami Ya Laâ Aubi (Sleep My Doll)â with Danish songstress Annisette.

When approached by Lullabies producer, Erik Hillestad, Banna jumped at the opportunity to contribute to this project. "For me it is an answer to Mr. President Bush," she says. "It is an opportunity to say, 'Listen to these voices, these women.' The lullabies are a mirror of the cultures and they can be a bridge between cultures."

She quickly became the spokeswoman with International press for the project along with Rickie Lee Jones, Iraqi Halla Bassam and Irani sisters Mahsa and Marjan Vahdat.

Banna embraces her heritage and her land in her songs, but also the political climate and the struggle and hopes of the Palestinian people.

She has participated in many national and political events including the Landâs Day Festivals. She equally presents Palestinian folk songs as she does modern works that represent her land. These modern Palestinian Arabic songs have been received with much enthusiasm in the Arab world and international community.

Banna was born in Nazareth and started her musical career early, as many American children, singing at home and in school activities.

She moved to Moscow in her late teens and studied music and voice in the High Institute for Music (GNESINS) under the tutorship of the well-renowned composer Vladimir Karobka. After graduation she married artist Leonid Alexeienko and produced two albums of her live concerts: Jafra and Your Tears, Mother.

Banna has also produced a collection of childrenâs songs of which she wrote. With the success of this collection she performed at numerous events including Ramallahâs Nuwar Nisan Festival, Bethlehemâs Summer Festival and festivals in Lesser Bairam including Christmas Festival and Ramadan Festival.

Banna and Alexeinko have continued to write, produce and perform music that represents the children, the environment, the culture and the folklore of Palestine.

Number of Discs: 1

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