Wonderfully Different Yet Natural
M. Murphy | birmingham, alabama United States | 09/04/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is Omar Sosa's breakthrough cd. I have heard Sosa in several less satisfying formats[solo,duo's,etc] and in his dabblings in hip hop and I am thrilled to write that he has reached his pinnacle in this expanded setting. First of all Sosa's music warrants additional colors and shades that a larger supporting cast gives it. Secondly the hip hop segments in previous cd's like Sentir and Prietos were badly out of place and just suceeded in having me "skip" them on otherwise decent cd's. Apparently Sosa received similar advice because the rap crap is nowhere to be found on Mulato's. What is left is interesting,catchy world jazz music. Sosa's playing is "Monk like" and percussive but it is his compositions and arrangements that are the stars. The supporting musicians while completely able are more of an essemble preaching Sosa's wonderful compositional "message".
To describe the content of the cd is as complex as some of the music. Think latin,African,carribean with a little dixieland. A real gumbo like Sosa himself.
If you like intersting jazz or world music that is hard to catergorize but easy to listen to over and over you will LOVE Mulatos.Cosidering that this is his latest cd lets hope he has learned the lessons of what has NOT worked. Mulatos does work and works beautifully. By far the best that Omar Sosa has offered so far. Lets hope there's much,much more to follow. Highly reccommended!"
Fascinating Stuff
Eric M. Asetta | Boston, MA | 05/27/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This is a genuinely unique and eclectic record, and unlike other more recent world-jazz fusion attempts, doesn't sound the least bit contrived. Sosa's playing and compositions are reminiscient of Monk's angular charm, but with an ear cocked towards hip hop and world beats. Recommended."