Composer/Pianist Omar thanks piano legend David Lanz in his liner notes, and like Lanz has done recently, takes a radio friendly smooth jazz sojourn on many of the tracks here. Every other track alternates between soaring,... more » self-produced atmospheric and exotic pieces and more in the pocket rhythmic tunes produced by smooth jazz keyboardist Gregg Karukas (who has also produced Lanz). Working with top outside musicians (from violinist Charlie Bisharat to saxman Eric Marienthal), Omar creates a wonderfully diverse collection, which allows him to remain firmly at center stage. On the title track, his sensual musings are given dreamy and elegant harmonic support from Bisharat, while other pieces involve interaction with strings and percussion ("Passage Into Midnight") or gentle, electronic grooves...Omar's nod to the Orient is the sensuous and atmospheric "Beauty Unveiled," which begins in an ambient trance state with intermingling sitar and flute before the pianist enters and begins a more upbeat adventure. For all the lush production values, it's Omar's piano, beautiful in its elegance and rich in its quiet rhythmic power, that proves the most unforgettable element. ~ Jonathan Widran, All Music Guide« less
Composer/Pianist Omar thanks piano legend David Lanz in his liner notes, and like Lanz has done recently, takes a radio friendly smooth jazz sojourn on many of the tracks here. Every other track alternates between soaring, self-produced atmospheric and exotic pieces and more in the pocket rhythmic tunes produced by smooth jazz keyboardist Gregg Karukas (who has also produced Lanz). Working with top outside musicians (from violinist Charlie Bisharat to saxman Eric Marienthal), Omar creates a wonderfully diverse collection, which allows him to remain firmly at center stage. On the title track, his sensual musings are given dreamy and elegant harmonic support from Bisharat, while other pieces involve interaction with strings and percussion ("Passage Into Midnight") or gentle, electronic grooves...Omar's nod to the Orient is the sensuous and atmospheric "Beauty Unveiled," which begins in an ambient trance state with intermingling sitar and flute before the pianist enters and begins a more upbeat adventure. For all the lush production values, it's Omar's piano, beautiful in its elegance and rich in its quiet rhythmic power, that proves the most unforgettable element. ~ Jonathan Widran, All Music Guide
CD Reviews
From MainlyPiano.com
Kathy Parsons | Florence, OR United States | 04/27/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
""Free As a Bird" is the much-anticipated follow-up to Omar's 2002 release, "Opal Fire." Exotic, sensual, and brimming with life, it was worth the wait! Richly arranged and orchestrated by David Dial and Gregg Karukas, real instruments replace some of the keyboards from the earlier release, and the interaction of great musicians such as violinist Charlie Bisharat (one of my all-time favorites!), Ramon Stagnaro on guitar, Gregg Karukas on keyboards and percussion, and Pedro Eustache on flute makes the music even more exciting. It is impossible to not think of Yanni's best work when listening to Omar. International flavors and a strong, optimistic spirit ignite the upbeat pieces, and the quieter songs are full of heart and passion. Quite simply, this is a GREAT album!
There are no weak tracks on "Free As A Bird." My favorites tend to be those that feature Charlie Bisharat, but since he is on seven of the eleven tracks, that's most of the album! "Free" sparkles with joy and, well, freedom. "Passage Into Midnight" begins with a bittersweet melody that is introspective and questioning, but as the piece evolves, it picks up a Latin flavor and rhythm. "A Day With You" is a sweet love song. "Surrender" is a standout. Elegant and melancholy, the piano, violin, and guitar fill the haunting melody with emotion. In a word - WOW! "Riding the Current" is jazzier and practically dances out of the CD player - another favorite. "Flight Of Mystery" closes the album with a swirling ensemble piece that allows all of the musicians to soar.
"Free As A Bird" is sure to be on my Top 10 for 2004 and should bring Omar the recognition he so richly deserves. Very highly recommended!"
What Would Bach Say?
John Beowulf | Eastern Sierra | 03/28/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"My mother was a very talented pianist and had quite the ear for music as well. She once said of jazz "it doesn't go anywhere." I understand the frustration that some might feel about jazz. Especially smooth jazz as it is really the light version of the old American invention.
However, I have a bad feeling, a really bad feeling, that for the most part: it has all been done before. The last rock riff, the final power cord, the last minuet, perhaps, even the last solo...has been done. Smooth jazz perhaps is where we tie it all together and rearrange the music for the encore. And this is where Omar shines the brightest. His music will not challenge your ear. In fact, I think he just nudges it in the slightest way with "do you remember when?" His music revisits the history of music. I hear flamenco, and latin sounds, Handle's garden parties, the dark ages...perhaps even Pan playing his flute.
This CD is a good place to turn to when you need to unwind, take a bubble bath, entertain some friends in a quiet moment, or turn down the lights and caress your lover. Its good. Thanks Omar, you and your musicians have a smooth sound, a quiet moment, a riff, a beat to make even the most jaded ear a happy one.
-John
"
Dreamy, Romantic, Exotic
*Breathing Music* | 08/23/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I sampled omar free as a bird album and i bought it instantly, the music is so much dreamy , the piano sound seems like he is playing in front of me and its flawless, my favourite tracks are all of them,now im listening to beauty unveiled, all i can say is wow,it takes you to a different world, i cant skip any,its that good, if you are a fan of yanni, chris spheeris buy this album, cant wait for his next album, keep it up Omar."
Free as a Bird
Pat Jones | Hesperia, CA United States | 05/19/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD is indescribable, it is so awesome. It sets your heart free. It is a mix of cultures, all blended together like a dance, full of compasion and love. I could listen to it over and over. Omar is amazing."
An amazing talent
C. Lewis | 03/31/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"After hearing a sample of Free as a Bird, I was instantly drawn in and extemely impressed. I couldn't wait to get my hands on this cd. Omar's music is beautiful, romantic, and brings a sense of peace and calm. It's music that you can't get tired of. I highly recommend it to all music lovers."
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1