Justin Coe speaks to French-Algerian singer/cellist Nesrine Belmokh, the lead vocalist of the innovative music trio NES, whose other members are French cellist Matthieu Saglio and Spanish percussionist David Gadea. The three talented artists met while all living in the Spanish Mediterranean city of Valencia. The interview took place recently as NES were gearing up to present their brand-new critically-acclaimed debut album, "Ahlam," featuring original songs in English, French and Arabic. NES are currently continuing their European tour with upcoming concert dates in Austria, Germany, Spain and France. The tour has also included performances in the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Romania and at such prestigious venues as the Berlin Philharmonic. Can the music NES performs be called "Mediterranean jazz"? Perhaps, but Nesrine says she hopes that one day the group's name will be sufficient to describe their inspired melding of their many influences, which range from jazz to classical, soul, traditional Arab music, and flamenco. For more information on this fascinating music trio, their website is: www.nesmusicband.com .
