Toraia Orchestra of Algiers

An Algerian troupe that toured Europe, North Africa and Egypt using their enchanting mixture of traditional Arabian tools — the zither-like kanoun, castanets, tambourine, kamanja (just like a violin), and oud — and wavering, fetching feminine vocals by Anissa Toraia and Zouina. Their Custom recording Ya Bay! (right now reissued on Compact disc) is a superb set of well-known Arab love tracks with insinuating, melancholy melodies, inspirational call-and-response vocals, and dexterous execution within the stringed tools. Soon after the documenting, among the performers, Zouina, was wedded for an Egyptian prince, rather than sang appropriately again.