Jazz in Marciac, France
July 31, 2014

Omar Sosa – Piano
Ernesto Simpson – Drums
Childo Tomas – Electric Bass
Leandro Saint-Hill – Soprano Saxophone

Since he emigrated from Cuba in 1993, Omar Sosa has forged a distinctive musical path, fusing an array of world music, hip-hop, and electronic elements with his Afro-Cuban roots. Omar’s newest recording, ilẹ, marks a homecoming for the pianist and composer to the Latin Jazz influences of his formative years in late ‘80s and early ‘90s Havana. During this period, Omar savored the music of Pancho Quinto, Lázaro Ross, Rubén González, Machito, Benny Moré, Ismael Rivera, Arsenio, Cachao, Lili Martinez, Peruchin, Chucho Valdés, and Irakere. ilẹ means homeland in the Yoruba language of West Africa, and it is to the Latin Jazz roots of his native Cuba that Omar returns for inspiration on this new studio recording.

Joining him on this adventure are three musicians with whom Omar shares a close connection: fellow Camagüeyanos, Ernesto Simpson on drums, and Leandro Saint-Hill on alto saxophone, flute, and clarinet, and Mozambican bassist Childo Tomas – collectively known as the New AfroCuban Quartet. These musicians speak the same musical language, using their Cuban and African traditions as a springboard for creative freedom.

Special guests on the project include Cuban percussionist Pedro Martinez, American guitarist Marvin Sewell, Cuban saxophonist Yosvany Terry, and maestro Eladio “Don Pancho” Terry, patriarch of the Terry family, on chekere. Featured on vocals is spoken word artist Kokayi. And, reflecting the influence of his extended residency in Barcelona, Omar has invited Flamenco vocalist José Antonio Martín Yáñez, known as “El Salao”, to contribute on several of the tracks, including a version of Sindo Garay’s La Tarde.

ilẹ offers contemporary interpretations of some of the classic Cuban musical styles the world has come to admire. Listeners will enjoy a mix of ballads and sophisticated mid and up tempo arrangements. Also included are a number of atmospheric interludes, featuring traditional music samples combined with piano and saxophone accompaniment.

A new dimension to this recording is Omar’s use of the Fender Rhodes electric piano in equal measure with the acoustic piano. For more information on ilẹ, please visit www.melodia.com.

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