Ala Nar (Arabic for "On Fire!") takes the audience on a journey through the Middle East with stunning music. They specialize in traditional Middle Eastern music (Arabic and Turkic regions) merging sweet melodies with dynamic rhythms -- drawing on some of the finest dance and classical compositions of the Middle East.

Lyric translations are provided on the CD jacket for the Turkish vocal pieces!

The fabulous ensemble features Mia Baki on ney and silver flute; Matthew Beasley on oud, cumbus, and frame drum; Astryd deMichele on zills; Tina Driesbach on riqq, frame drum, and percussion; Leigh Ann Harrod on saz and vocals; Jesse Ogle on upright bass; Christopher Pfeffer on Arabic tablah and frame drum; Julie Firman on violin; and John Polese on accordion.

Click the audio icon at the end of each song to listen to a music clip.

1. Cretan Syrtos 2. Tapancaman Sapini 3. Hicaz Oyun Havasi 4. Na'Asa 5. El Samer 6. Hani 7. Samai

8. Ayas Yollarinda 9. Hamama 10. Travelling 11. Zeina 12. Kalenin Bayir Duzu 13. Karsilama 14. Sulukule

BellyDanceStore.net Exclusive with Ala Nar

BellyDanceStore.net: As a dancer I experience a lot of energy from the audience, an exchange or flow of energy that builds on itself. Is it the same for playing music and if so, how did recording in the studio differ from playing for an audience?

Jesse Ogle (bass): Recording in the studio is all about capturing the perfect take and creating the perfect song; however, a live performance centers around the moment and usually has less musical restrictions.

Leigh Ann Starcevich (saz/vocals): It is always a great experience to play for a receptive audience, but there are no do-overs! That is the fun part of the studio experience: having the opportunity to record something a second (or third, fourth...) time and get it just how you want it.

BellyDanceStore.net: What song on this album is your favorite and why?

Jesse Ogle: Sulukule, I love the vocal track and the heavy ostinato that the drums and bass play, plus the solos!

Leigh Ann Starcevich: My favorite is Kalenin Bayir Duzu. It's a simple folk song that we had just started playing before we went into the studio. We decided before the recording that we really needed to have fun with this one and make it sound more special. Everyone had an idea for the song, like adding distortion to the saz, doubling my vocals, rocking it out a bit. The process of recording this song ended up changing our arrangement of it and it became a lot more fun to play. This is the one that my Turkish friends seem to like because it DOESN'T sound traditional!

BellyDanceStore.net: How would you describe the sound and feeling of this album and is there a sequel in your future?

Jesse Ogle: The feeling is modern yet there is still a traditional flavor. Hopefully, the next will be more original than the last.

Leigh Ann Starcevich: This album is more traditional, with more folkloric Turkish pieces and classic Arabic dance pieces. Yes -- a new album is on the way! We have been recording with our bass player, Jesse Ogle, through a project he is working on at Oregon State University as part of his music degree. We are including original music that is inspired by the music of these regions. For instance, Jesse wrote a great song that incorporates his love of Eastern music and funk; I added a melody with English-translated lyrics from a 14th-century Sufi poem by Hafiz. It's a fun mix!