Omar Susa

In 1989, Omar Hakim released his first solo album, Rhythm Deep, which occupied a middle ground between jazz, R&B, and pop, and gave him a chance to showcase his vocal abilities as well. The results earned Hakim a Grammy nomination.

There's an invigorating new jazz sound coming from Cuba, a music of great virtuosity and innovation drawing on a wide range of musical tradition - from Latin jazz to straight-ahead to European classical music. One of the leading ambassadors of this new Cuban sound is Omar Sosa.

Paolo Fresu & Omar Sosa - Alma (2012) {Tuk Music}
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© 2011 Tuk Music / Bonsai Music | BON120101
Jazz / Post Bop / World Fusion

Alma is a collaboration between six-time GRAMMY's-nominated Cuban composer and pianist Omar Sosa and celebrated Italian trumpet and flugelhorn player Paolo Fresu, with guest cello contributions on four tracks by noted Brazilian conductor, arranger, producer and cellist Jaques Morelenbaum. The compositions are all written by Omar Sosa and Paolo Fresu, except for Under African Skies , a version of the popular track from Paul Simon's Graceland. The music on Alma (soul) is generally melodic and medium-paced, except for a fiery version of Omar s composition Angustia. Fresu's flugelhorn work is sweet and warm and the rich and playful musical connection between Fresu and Sosa is evident throughout the recording.

Best by Far, Omar's fifth album, trailed This Is Not a Love Song by four years and duly pleased the majority of his fan base by merely existing. It's another eclectic set that dips into a number of styles of the time – flashes of garage, broken beat, club-oriented soul-pop, and easy listening are present, but it's an Omar album through and though, just as much as any of its predecessors. There are a few moments when the album falters in its lack of focus, as if Omar is trying to make up for lost time by throwing everything into the pot, but at least 30 minutes here stand up well next to his previous best work. [Note: Depending on the territory of release, the album varies in its bonus remixes, and – bizarrely – the cover of William DeVaughn's "Be Thankful for What You've Got" may feature either Angie Stone or Erykah Badu.]

The album is simply "pure" and " inspirational" with harmonious and individuality mixed in with Hakim using a special ingredient called "originality". Each selection is like no other, featuring jazz, soul,funk and new age mixed with complete sensitivity, as illustrated by the music and lyrics of Hakim, James Golden, Jerry Brooks, Reggie Segars and Robert Madiou.

The album is simply "pure" and " inspirational" with harmonious and individuality mixed in with Hakim using a special ingredient called "originality". Each selection is like no other, featuring jazz, soul,funk and new age mixed with complete sensitivity, as illustrated by the music and lyrics of Hakim, James Golden, Jerry Brooks, Reggie Segars and Robert Madiou.

With every passing year, pianist Omar Sosa continues to define what contemporary world music can be. Each effort is quite different than the previous one, while the bright colors, timbres, and elements of his Cuban-based music are elevated higher and higher. In his restlessness to find further truth and beauty, there's a calm serenity and unabashed confidence in his vision and personal musicianship.

In 1989, Omar Hakim released his first solo album, Rhythm Deep, which occupied a middle ground between jazz, R&B, and pop, and gave him a chance to showcase his vocal abilities as well. The results earned Hakim a Grammy nomination.