"Free Roots," Omar Sosa's debut album, is a vibrant and captivating exploration of Afro-Cuban jazz, released in 1997 under the Otá Records label. This 12-track masterpiece, spanning a full hour, is a testament to Sosa's prowess as a pianist and composer, seamlessly blending cha-cha grooves, Monk-inspired phrases, Yoruba chants, hip-hop beats, and rhapsodic melodies. Recorded in California, the album was mixed by Sosa and Oscar Autié at Autié Productions, with mastering handled by Ken Lee at Rocket Lab in San Francisco.
The album kicks off with "Travieso," setting the tone for the eclectic journey that follows. Tracks like "Fue Mentira" and "Buscando La Clave" showcase Sosa's ability to weave intricate rhythms and melodies, while "Cha Cha Du Nord" and "Guajira De Capital" pay homage to his Cuban roots. "Free Roots" was met with widespread acclaim, earning the title of Album of the Year in France by Paris music critic Remy Kopoul. This debut album is a powerful introduction to Omar Sosa's unique sound, making it a standout in the world of contemporary jazz.
Vinylscout