San Francisco (California), USA – Cuban piano virtuoso
Omar
Sosa has a new album available. The compilation, entitled Ballads (Ota Records OTA1015), features his lyrical works. While Omar Sosa is often
lauded for his high-energy, percussive piano style, he has also a profound sense
of expression in the delicate, lyrical realm. In this collection of ballads,
loosely defined, taken from four of his early recordings, the listener is
treated to a listening experience of beautiful melody and rich harmony, full of
romanticism and grace – ail with a Latin jazz heart.The compilation opens with Omar Sosa’s signature ballad, “Mis Tres Notas”, taken
from his first ensemble recording,
Free Roots (OTA-IOOS), and closes with the beautiful love song, “Shirma”,
taken from the same album, and featuring the artistry of reedman Sheldon Brown
on bass clarinet. Also from
Free Roots, there is find “Raya”, this time with Sheldon Brown on
alto saxophone.
From Omar Sosa’s second ensemble CD,
Spirit of the Roots (OTA-IOOS), there is “Para Ella”, with Sheldon
Brown on tenor saxophone, “Antes De Ir Va Esto”, featuring John Galloway on
flute and Orestes Vilato on timbal, and “Tienes Un Solo”, featuring the divine
Anastacia (Newkirk) on vocals.
From the final recording of Omar Sosa’s Roots Trilogy,
Bembon (OTA1007), there is “Gracias Señor” and “Para DOS Parados”,
both featuring poignant string arrangements, and the later featuring the
exquisite vocal styling of Maria Marquez. Finally, from the groundbreaking CD,
Prietos (OTA1008), come two very delicate pieces, “Fragile”, again
featuring vocalist Maria Marquez, and “Twice As Sad”, with Sheldon Brown on
tenor saxophone.
Buy Ballads 1997-2000.
Author: World Music Central News Room
World music news from the editors at World Music Central
