Page CXVI

Singer, songwriter, engineer, and producer Latifah Alattas follows up her last album Good Friday to Easter with the lush, immersive musical experience of her thirteenth Page CXVI album, All. Page CXVI is a longtime project of Alattas’s in which she explores ancient wisdom, hymns, and spiritual songs and re-presents them in new arrangements, new contexts, and modern sensibilities. Continuing the tradition of previous albums, All recasts two beloved hymns from church history, but – in a departure from previous projects – also includes six original songs. A central theme of All is God as the divine, compassionate source who loves all people. Stemming from this central theme come songs about love, peace, grace, mercy, finding refuge in times of trouble, and finding wholeness in the feminine/masculine balance of God. As always, Alattas continues to push into new spaces with her music, bringing a fresh Page CXVI album that gives the listener new ears to hear what is being communicated in traditional hymns like “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” as well as moving, honest explorations of faith in songs like “In the Garden,” which unpacks the pain of a growing faith and the fear of loss in the midst of discovering spiritual truths.

“There can be so much pain when we’re trying to understand who God is, especially in times of grief or trauma,” Alattas says. “What I feel unshakeable on is the loving communion of the Spirit with us in that process. I see God in nature a lot, so as you listen to All you’ll hear repeating patterns of the creation. ‘It’s the fallen seeds that grow and blossom in the spring.’ We’re so afraid of death and loss, but sometimes we’re experiencing the death of something in us that will lead to new life and growth in the seasons to come. In my journey, communion with the Spirit, nature and my community keeps me tethered to the deep, loving truths of God.”

Alattas’s honesty is reflected in both the lyrics and the music of this album. Wide, choral vocals create a holy space for reflection and meditation, and the enveloping beauty of arrangements that include pauses to catch your breath as you are transported into deeper truths. The stark, intimate vocal moments shine in songs with jazz underpinnings and sweeping, cosmic sounds. “Help us see you in all, for all,” she cries. The album expands into a beautiful reflection on the loneliness we experience in pain and suffering, and reminds us that we are not alone, but that we can experience peace and joy in our most difficult moments because we are surrounded and embraced by God and those who love us, regardless of what may come in the journey from this world to the next.

Latifah Alattas lives in Nashville, Tennessee, and has an extensive history of making innovative, tender, emotionally honest and transformative music whether with Page CXVI or one of her many other musical projects. Alattas has produced and released two albums under her other moniker, Moda Spira, as well as albums for other artists. Alattas was recently featured on Josh Garrels’s latest album Chrysaline, as well as the last two Porter’s Gate albums. She has also collaborated with Leslie Jordan of All Sons and Daughters. Alattas has a long resume that also includes the indie rock band Autumn Film, Heck Ya the Halls, and Sola-Mi, an experimental trio. She has produced albums for indie artists, including Aaron Strumpel, Our Violet Room, and A Boy & His Kite (“Cover Your Tracks” was featured on the soundtrack for Twilight: Breaking Dawn, Part II). Her songs have been featured on a variety of television shows and movies.

Take a deep breath, and prepare yourself for the uncommon honesty and transformative power of the new Page CXVI album, All. The album releases in Spring of 2020 and Alattas will be touring the record alongside Audrey Assad simultaneous with the release.