For those with an affinity for Afro-Cuban music, it is common hear-sake to experience the coexistence of percussive undertones with infections poetry rhymes reflecting a multi-cultural prodigy absorbed by centuries of ancestral antiquities. Perhaps such is an accurate statement when describing the music of pianist Omar Sosa. However, listeners perhaps will conclude that Sosa's music may defy any category.

Born in Camagüey, Cuba on April 10, 1965, Omar studied at the Escuela Provincial de Música in Camagüey from 1970 to 1977. From 1977 to 1983 Omar specialized in percussion at the Escuela Nacional de Música in La Habana and in 1984 studied percussion at the Instituto Superior de Arte, also in La Habana, Cuba. Subsequently, in 1986 Omar founded the group TRIBUTO with which he embarked on two recording projects.

On his CD release titled "Prietos" on the Ota Records label, Omar Sosa offers a musical fusion transcending many cultures of the African Diaspora: Cuba, Venezuela, Ecuador, North America, Morocco, Brazil, Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast. For the most part, "Prietos" envelops a wide range of contemporary Afro-Cuban Jazz rhythms, many percussion instruments, voice and chorus, all intermingled with Jazz harmonic structures. Some familiar rhythms are heard on the 6/8 time "Eleggua", cha cha beat on "Take A Second", and the rumba clave is felt on "Mother Africa."

Omar Sosa's compositions are filled with interposing layers of rhythms seamlessly playing in perfect sequential harmony. While Sosa maintains many instruments at work including brass ensemble inflections, the power of this recording lay in the unique relationship of the voices with the rhythm and harmonies. Like a puzzle, all pieces unite to form a mass musical tapestry that honors tradition and personify many religions that are the root source of this music.

Perhaps a word of caution is appropriate, as listeners may discover that Sosa's music--at least when pertaining to this CD--is at times intricate and sophisticated maybe requiring several listening sessions in order to attain a greater understanding of its multiple complexities. While mostly maintaining an upbeat ambiance, Sosa illustrate a more somber and relaxed side on his compositions titled "Twice As Sad" and "Fragile", a gentle piano piece accompanied by light percussion and voice nuances.

There's much food for thought on this CD. The listener may find his or herself drawn into much more than the music--rather the total experience of the performance, almost like a mysterious operatic voyage where time is displaced--perhaps emanating a trance-like state of mind. Undoubtedly, Omar Sosa is a master at his craft that manifests itself through his compositions, musical arrangements and piano work. Although, his piano style is reminiscent, and maybe not as inventive as Cuban pianist Gonzalo Rubalcaba. Rapper Will Power delivers an outstanding performance weaving his artistry of spoken words onto the rich musical campus. Omar Sosa's "Prietos" is innovative, a brilliant musical work of art.

review by John Davis
JDavis@latnjazzclub.com
Contributing writer
LatinJazzClub Magazine

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