'The Man' on Freestyle Records His full name and title is Omar Christopher Lye-Fook MBE, that's Member of the Order of the British Empire to you and me, but to all his music fans worldwide, this UK born and bred soul singer and musician is simply and affectionately known as Omar. This talented guy first introduced himself to the record buying public in the mid-80's, but really made his mark in 1990 when he dropped what surely must be his signature 'calling card', the hypnotic bassline, slow grooving 'There's Nothing Like This', now seen as a certified UK soul classic. A definite milestone back at the time which helped to break down the notion that quality soul music could only be produced in America. Going from strength to strength Omar has released several albums and his reputation has grown so much so that in many quarters today he is regarded with much respect as 'the godfather of UK soul'. When even musical giants such as Stevie Wonder show him major love, you know he is the real deal.
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.
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.
UK soul royalty, Omar MBE 'The Man', to it's credit, really is a totally British affair. Recorded in the UK with tight production and great songs from the man himself. In all honesty the album works so well as a body of work that I find it slightly difficult to pick out individual songs to praise. The funky, jaunty 'Bully' featuring Scratch Professor with it's reggae-ish bass and horn lines best represent that magical UK caribbean flavour that just works. Though now based in New York (where she actually recorded her vocals), Caron Wheeler features on the smooth, sexy 'Trust Me'. The title track of the album 'The Man' (the video can be seen right here) finds Omar making a positive, upbeat, declaration of who he is and where he's at in this straight ahead funk groove. The jazzy element is front and centre on both the 70's sounding 'Fuck War Make Love' and the 'maybe my lady's been cheating?' lyrically 'High Heels' which features Hidden Jazz Orchestra with some real nice saxophone work by Stephen Abel. However, if I had to pick one song from the album that has gotten under my skin, it has to be Omar's jazzy reworking of his own classic, 'There's Nothing Like This'. He may not have thought it at the time, but in tackling his most popular song, he was taking a major risk. Had this much admired song not been performed in the correct way, it could have damaged the overall appeal of the album. Instead, I believe it is 'The Man''s centrepiece. With a slight tweak (even singing the song with a subtle, different approach to the original) he has delivered an ultra smooth, adult sounding version, featuring Pino Palladino on Spanish guitar. An altogether strong album from Omar who continues to fly the UK soul flag. Keep doing your thing Mr Lye-Fook MBE!!
'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
'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
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