Okan – Sombras (Lulaworld Records, 2019)
Okan is a highly talented Toronto-based world music ensemble rooted in Afro-Cuban music led by Cuban multi-instrumentalists and composers Elizabeth Rodriguez and Magdelys Savigne. On their album Sombras, the group masterfully combines Afro-Cuban rhythms with jazz, trova, soul, Brazilian music and flamenco.
Although the album is song focused, featuring soulful vocals, there are plenty of moments when the musicians get to showcase their virtuosity, delivering memorable solo performances on percussion, violin, electric bass and tres.
The line-up includes Elizabeth Rodriguez (Santiago de Cuba) on vocals and violin; Magdelys Savigne (Havana) on vocals, congas, cajón, batá drums, additional percussion; Anthony Szczachor on drums; Frank Martinez on drums; Roberto Riveron on bass; Bill King on piano; Jeremy Ledbetter on piano; Miguel de Armas on piano and keyboards; Raimundo Sosa on quinto conga; Pablosky Rosales on tres guitar; Alexis Bario on trumpet; and Mari Palhares on pandeiro and surdo.
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Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.