CD PICK OF THE WEEK: OMAR AKRAM SECRET JOURNEY

Posted on October 29, 2008
Filed Under The Brick Vine, Jazz Music |

Definitely mood music. What mood? I’ll let you decide………Omar Akram encourages listeners to come with him on an exotic Secret Journey, an appropriate title for his new album since Akram’s father was a United Nations Diplomat and the family lived in such diverse locales as the U.S., France, Cuba, Afghanistan and the Czech Republic. On this, his third CD for Real Music, strong melodies are presented within tapestry-like arrangements, Omar’s acoustic grand piano interwoven with acoustic guitar, violin, duduk, flute and ethnic percussion, played by a group of world class musicians.

“After Omar’s last release “Free as a Bird” this musician became a force to be reckoned with. “Secret Journey” gives us the one- two combination hit that reflects a musician that is in full stride creating compositions laced with unbridled passion and poised grace. Rooted in world themes layered in smooth jazz and new age influences, Omar’s music has become distinct yet highly accessible that this album has all the ingredients to be not only a chart topper but also a critic’s darling.”

Michael Debbage, Solo piano publications.

Find your mood here.