The Man

I'm finding music in new ways now a days. I stick to blogs and following my fav DJs online. When these curators bring something to my attention I seek it out and if it's good.. I'll buy it. A lengthy process but it eliminates riff raff and keeps my frequency high by only putting good tunes in my head. This collection of audio enjoyment is exactly why I go through this process. A DJ I follow had one of Omar's songs in his mix and I would find myself rewinding to hear it again. Then I saw a write up on him in a blog. It was one of those Cloud Atlas moment when you hear something that sounds so familiar that it drives you crazy. Long story short, I bought the album and excitedly listened to it on a recent July 4th road trip and wasn't let down at all. It lifted my spirit and had me singing it's melodies all the way there and back. Cheers to Omar. Track 2 is a standout song that'll make you want to tell your pals about.

It's sad that Omar's music is not played or heard here in the U.S. I learned of him from watching "CHEF!" where he sang the theme song. If not for that I would be unaware of the soulful wonderful music of Omar. This is his most consistently soulful album where the transitions between each song is not as drastic and the combination of rhythms from other genres of music is not so jarring. This is the one Omar album, so far, that I can put in the player and let it play all the way through. There really isn't a bad song on the album, while there are some indispensable ones that you should not miss. The first two songs, Simplify and The Man set the tone and show the diversity of instrumentation, style, and lyricism yet to come. the horns in High heels are amazing. He also revisits his first big hit, There's Nothing Like This" and it is excellent and sounds as if Omar has not aged a bit.

I first heard Omar featured on the mixed artists Reel People's "Seven Ways to Wonder" album. The song "Outta Love" is one of the best on that CD, and the reprise that he hums most of is very good, too. I was very impressed with his ability to carry the song with his unique booming voice. Getting a CD that was all him seemed like it would be a great idea. It was, and the title track is a great song. The CD is a very fast upbeat listen, and all of the songs are pretty good. I never really noticed much bad language in the songs that would merit the explicit label on it. I love it and highly recommend it.

I have been following this man's career since 1990 with his first album There's Nothing Like This. Since then his singing as been off the wall crazy. Not one bad album (7) and he is has been underrated by people who do not understand an appreciate excellent and original music. Omar is just that. Original. He is truly a neo soul legend.

I've been following Omar since his music came across the pond in the 90's. He is truly a gifted musician, singer, songwriter to come out of the UK. His unique vocalization is one of the best in the business. The first track on this CD grips you with his syrupy sweet grooves that have you bobbing your head and snapping your fingers. The title track, "The Man" is Omar at his best, swinging that groovy beat straight to your feet. Makes you want to get up so you can "get on down." Get down brother Omar, get on down.

I was disappointed because I order this cd for a specific song, which was on the cd, but not the version I expected. wish I knew that before I ordered it . full cd' hasn't grown on me yet.

I love the fresh but familiar content of this album. I have never been disappointed with an Omar album, I have been a fan for 20 years and counting. It's hard to pick a favorite track from this album, but Treat You ft Caron Wheeler is usually the one on repeat.The strong impact of being able to incorporate "real" instruments is always a treat.Love the artwork, the lyrical content and the musicianship put into this piece. This is a classic work of art.I would definitely recommend this.

I have every cd Omar has put out, and this one is my new favorite. Don't sleep on O he puts out instant classic, what i like to call grown folks music. This cd is off the hook from start to finish, my top banger are( Simplify, Bully, When you touch we touch). This brotha just kills it every time he puts a cd together, get on this one you will not be disappointed trust me. TW

I have met him in London before. Mr. Omar... He is a very tiny guy but very powerful and soulful. I am very happy to see his another great album.

しばらくぶりにOmarのＣＤを購入。相変わらずの声で心地よかったです。

Having seen Omar guesting with Mario Biondi at the Albert Hall for tracks from  Sun , it was evident that "the Man" was back on top form. Further airplay on Jazz FM has confirmed the quality of the album and it has been one of the albums of Summer 2013.Omar often turns up at Jazz festivals and seems to hang out with Jazz musicians, although the music he creates is more often characterised as Soul or R & B. For me, the most interesting tracks on this album are those where he collaborates with other musicians - like on the title track where he brings in the well-known UK Sax player Ben Castle, a bandleader in his own right.There are also collaborations with two of the best UK bass guitarists around, in Stuart Zender (ex-Jamiroquai) and Pino Palladino(...that bass line for Paul Young on "Wherever I lay my hat"). "High Heels" features the Hidden Jazz Quartet and horn players grace most tracks - but it's not really Jazz territory, except in the extended vocabulary of chords that Omar uses.The album is definitely focused on tight song structures - all originals - and nearly all by Omar himself with the odd co-credit. All are groove-based and there are nods to his parents' Jamaican origins - like on "Bully" - but most fit into genres that are usually described as 'urban'. There is a great sense of integrity in the music and lyrics - Omar isn't courting fame - he is producing the music he likes and collaborating with the musicians he likes - he is his own man. Maybe why the album title is so apt?This is music that is diverse, but unique maybe to this time and place - the multicultural musical landscape of London and places like the Jazz Cafe. There are maybe links to Incognito and the Brand New Heavies, but Omar is distinctive and darker in his lyrical content and deeper into Jazz influences. Certainly worth a listen. Sun

Some good tunes

One of the leading lights in British Soul Music, Omar's class shines through once again in his most recent albumn "The Man". It has been worth the wait as there isn't a weak song on this albumn. Some of the production techniques and instruments used are recognisable from previous albumns, but there are new sounds and collaborations which make the albumn fresh and interesting both for die-hard and new fans. From funky beats to well thought out melodies, it is sure to get you moving and singing along. This albumn is diverse but maintains ist quality all the way through, unlike a lot of more commercial albumns contining "filler songs". This guy is underrated and deserves more air-time on the radio and TV. His lyrics, voice and musical ability is far greater than most British or worldwide stars of the modern era. If you get the chance go to see him live too...he doesn't disappoint.