orn in the winter North, there is nothing cold about blazingly hot new star Christine Atallah who took to the bright lights early, making her first television appearance at the remarkable age of four years old. Born in a conservative Arabic family, she heeded her musical calling early and ran away from home at 17. Still a rebel today, she commands attention, speaks out for women and is a fascinating and erudite entertainer. This belly-dancing, sensual Diva of operatic training, is born for to perform, born to sing. Her voice has been compared to Natacha Atlas, Fairuz and Souad Masi with shades of Kate Bush. Her band- The Bassalindos, have been likened to Pink Martini and the Gypsy Kings, yet they sound like no one else. Christine had early training in classical singing and this led on a memorable onscreen performance in an Academy Award nominated film Jésus de Montréal.Christine took to the screen and sang for the soundtrack in three memorable movements from Pergolesi's Sabat Mater. The film swept the Genie Awards in Canada and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Film. Until this day, people remember the hauntingly beautiful singing of the intense, dark haired beauty. Christine’s vocal beauty, inspiring poetry and melodies on plaintive Middle Eastern keys collide beautifully with Western jazz scales and pop chords to soar and surprise. The instruments are exotic- the oud, the kanoun, mixed in atop acoustic jazz instruments weaved with catchy pop choruses and memorable melodies. In her original compositions, Christine’s sensuous voice highlights the unique blend of Arabic, Latin, jazz and pop facets into a rare gem. The music and lyrics are unforgettable and the tempi evocative of the percussion of desert countries, harem princesses, and moonlight nights on the dunes under the stars. You will be enchanted and want to embark on Escapdes time and again.

    Christine was literally discovered out of a cast of a thousand in a megalithic tour of Verdi’s opera: Aida, tourned the world and won a voice scholarship to Milan. Later, in New York she composed original compositions alongside producer Clifford Anderson of the Sonny Rollins Band. While in New York City, she composed, studied dance, recorded and appeared in more films and music videos. She completed her university training in music with distinction and founded The Bassalindos, selling out notable festivals and getting rave reviews for her sophisticated and innovative multilingual world-pop sound.

    Throughout all this, a musical alliance was forged between her and illustrious Canadian composer John Winiarz, that stands until today. She is described by the composer as "profoundly affecting" his creative work.Christine keeps up her classical chops and sings several styles of music with great ease and authority. She has sung with notable Montreal jazz pianist Billy Georgette. Her main writing collaborator is Danny McLaughlin. Christine and Danny like to head out of the city to a country chalet where they withdraw from the world and have the writing sessions in which they write most of their music.

    Christine has been involved and featured on several LP's and has completed her first album with the Bassalindos called Escapades."The album is wistful,inspiring, playful to profound. Escapades radiates sincerity; its a tribute to the power of music which transcends race, religion and politics and appeals to what is common to humankind: love, life, hope and the soul. Talented musicians from several traditions play side by side, each contributing their own distinct flavor to a unique interchange of musical textures and colors. A mysterious Arabic pulse in a nuanced musical tag between East and West. A great show!" In whichever of the many languages she sings in, there is always emotion, yearning and passion to be heard in Christine's sultry, but powerful instrument. Her voice and presence envelop and convey the listener to a place where cares cannot reach, where dreams are bestirred and memories revisited.