
So it has been 7 years since Omar released an album, but that long spell of waiting is finally over as he has dropped a joint that is worthy of his vast skills. An aptly titled collection called 'The Man'. After living with the cd for a couple of weeks now, fully absorbing the various flavours and textures on offer, I have got to say, without question Omar is THE MAN. In this day and age where new soul music seems to be in short supply within the mainstream market, it is refreshing to see an artist deliver an album that is not only soulful and (at times) downright funky, but at the same time manages to put his own individual stamp on the material without the usual cop out of sampling classic grooves from 'back in the day'. Happily no concessions have been made to 'crossover' to a pop music sensibility, unlike some of his American counterparts. This is straight up good groove sounds for a discerning audience who want to feel as well as listen to the music on 'The Man'. The set contains an undercurrent of both jazz and latin that gives the songs a free flowing mood.

'The Man' is on Freestyle Records and is available in all the usual outlets (iTunes, Amazon etc.)
Here is a link to 'There's Nothing Like This' - Omar ft. Pino Palladino
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBxzsq6JTzw