The first thing you'll notice about this Milan-born performer is her amazing voice. Maybe the second and third thing, too. Dusky, edged with soul, classically trained yet still plenty rough around the edges, Malika Ayane can croon as gently as a bossa nova breeze or lash out with a little alt-rock attitude. Gifted with a jazz singer's sense of phrasing and easily conversant in both English and Italian, her versatility has resulted in a string of hit singles in her native land. Fans of sophisticated pop will be delighted to make her acquaintance.