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Omar Sosa: Prietos
BySosa deserves special credit for two accomplishments on Prietos.
First, he manages to integrate an incredibly broad variety of styles without sounding forced or pretentious. When the music of Morocco collides with the music of Cuba, Sosa finds enough in common to unite them into a seamless whole. The secret appears to be grounded respect for the African and post-African traditions. Prietos is more a recognition of common ground than any kind of post-modern pastiche. As Sosa puts it in the liner notes: "We are all children of the same Mother Africa."
Second, Sosa plays a vital role on the piano. His work at the keyboard displays literacy within the North American jazz tradition, as well as various musics of Latin America and Africa. In order to sew up the genres he brings together, Sosa utilizes a light touch and an impeccable sense of rhythm. During a couple of time-outs near the end of the disc, Sosa waxes lyricalallowing one to appreciate the sweetness of simplicity.
It's hard to praise Prietos enough. The "Latin jazz" staple of North American music falls miles short of this epic fusion. Whether it be rap or djembe or marimba, every element of the African diaspora finds a home here. Omar Sosa, keeper of the flame, channels the energy from the human pulse to the throb of the drums to the fire of the gods. And back.
Track Listing
Eleggu
Personnel
Omar Sosa
pianoOmar Sosa: piano, vocals, timbal; Elliot Kavee: drums; Geoff Brennan: acoustic bass; Gustavo Ovalles: Afro-Venezuelan and Afro-Cuban percussion; Will Power: rap vocals; Martha Galarraga: Yoruba vocals. Plus 25 guests.
Album information
Title: Prietos | Year Released: 2001 | Record Label: Ota Records