"Spirit of the Roots" is a captivating journey into the rich tapestry of Latin jazz, masterfully woven by the talented pianist and composer Omar Sosa. Released in 1999 under OTA Records, this album is a testament to Sosa's unique blend of folk, carnival styles, Santeria ceremonial music, and post-bop influences. With a duration of 1 hour and 20 minutes, this 13-track album offers a deep dive into the spiritual and cultural heritage of West Africa's Yoruban worship of the Orishas, as reflected in the album's title.
Omar Sosa, born in Camagüey, Cuba, brings his extensive musical background to this album, having started his musical journey on the marimba at the age of eight before transitioning to the piano. "Spirit of the Roots" is not just his U.S. recording debut but also the second installment in a trilogy of recordings that began with "Free Roots" in 1997. The album features a diverse range of tracks, from the energetic "Elegguá" and "La Tela Pa' Oya" to the more introspective "Remember Monk" and "Para Ella."
Each track on "Spirit of the Roots" is a testament to Omar Sosa's compositional prowess and his ability to seamlessly blend various musical influences. Whether you're a fan of Latin jazz or simply appreciate well-crafted music, this album is sure to captivate your attention from start to finish.
Vinylscout