Omar Sosa Releases an Album of Jazz Ballads

10/23/2005 07:50AM

Contributed by: WMC_News_Dept.

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].