Omar - Free As a Bird
List Price:
Our Price: $11.87
You Save: $6.11 (34%)
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Category: Music CD
See more CD details
Buy this Music CD at online store in your country
Canadian Music Store
Canadian Music Store
CD Details
Artist: OmarPerformer: Omar Akram
Edition: Music CD
Audio: English (Original Language)
CD Release Date: 2004-04-27
Music Label: Real Music
Soundtracks:
- Free as a Bird 5:05
- Passage into Midnight 4:21
- A Day With You 5:08
- Falling Through the Rain 4:49
- Beauty Unveiled 4:25
- Dancing with the Wind 4:51
- Surrender 6:41
- Riding the Current 3:59
- Never Let Go 3:33
- Trust Unspoken 3:59
- Flight of Mystery 5:05
Music reviews of Free As a Bird
Music Review: from MainlyPiano.com
Rating: 5 Stars
"Free As a Bird" is the much-anticipated follow-up to Omar's 2002 release, "Opal Fire." Exotic, sensual, and brimming with life, it was worth the wait! Richly arranged and orchestrated by David Dial and Gregg Karukas, real instruments replace some of the keyboards from the earlier release, and the interaction of great musicians such as violinist Charlie Bisharat (one of my all-time favorites!), Ramon Stagnaro on guitar, Gregg Karukas on keyboards and percussion, and Pedro Eustache on flute makes the music even more exciting. It is impossible to not think of Yanni's best work when listening to Omar. International flavors and a strong, optimistic spirit ignite the upbeat pieces, and the quieter songs are full of heart and passion. Quite simply, this is a GREAT album!
There are no weak tracks on "Free As A Bird." My favorites tend to be those that feature Charlie Bisharat, but since he is on seven of the eleven tracks, that's most of the album! "Free" sparkles with joy and, well, freedom. "Passage Into Midnight" begins with a bittersweet melody that is introspective and questioning, but as the piece evolves, it picks up a Latin flavor and rhythm. "A Day With You" is a sweet love song. "Surrender" is a standout. Elegant and melancholy, the piano, violin, and guitar fill the haunting melody with emotion. In a word - WOW! "Riding the Current" is jazzier and practically dances out of the CD player - another favorite. "Flight Of Mystery" closes the album with a swirling ensemble piece that allows all of the musicians to soar.
"Free As A Bird" is sure to be on my Top 10 for 2004 and should bring Omar the recognition he so richly deserves. Very highly recommended!
Description of Free As a Bird
Composer/Pianist Omar thanks piano legend David Lanz in his liner notes, and like Lanz has done recently, takes a radio friendly smooth jazz sojourn on many of the tracks here. Every other track alternates between soaring, self-produced atmospheric and exotic pieces and more in the pocket rhythmic tunes produced by smooth jazz keyboardist Gregg Karukas (who has also produced Lanz). Working with top outside musicians (from violinist Charlie Bisharat to saxman Eric Marienthal), Omar creates a wonderfully diverse collection, which allows him to remain firmly at center stage.On the title track, his sensual musings are given dreamy and elegant harmonic support from Bisharat, while other pieces involve interaction with strings and percussion ("Passage Into Midnight") or gentle, electronic grooves...Omar's nod to the Orient is the sensuous and atmospheric "Beauty Unveiled," which begins in an ambient trance state with intermingling sitar and flute before the pianist enters and begins a more upbeat adventure.
For all the lush production values, it's Omar's piano, beautiful in its elegance and rich in its quiet rhythmic power, that proves the most unforgettable element.
~ Jonathan Widran, All Music Guide
Blues CDs
Music Genres
Bestsellers in Blues CDs
Southern String BandsRelease date: 1997-05-07; Music CD
Price in other shops:
Lightnin Hopkins - Texas BluesRelease date: 1993-11-30; Music CD
Price in other shops:
15 Regional Mexican Music ClassicsRelease date: 1997-02-25; Music CD
Best price: $3.99
Price in other shops:
Etta James - Love's Been Rough on MeRelease date: 1997-04-29; Music CD
Best price: $8.97
Price in other shops:
Etta James - Mystery LadyRelease date: 1994-03-15; Music CD
Best price: $8.96
Price in other shops:
Taj Mahal - Dancing the BluesRelease date: 1993-09-28; Music CD
Best price: $7.99
Price in other shops:
![Moments to Remember [VHS] Image](/images/Moments-to-Remember-VHS-6304199058-X.jpg){kind=small}
Bill Gaither & Gloria - Moments to Remember [VHS]Chordant; Release date: 1996-09-03; VHS Tape; VHS Video
Best price: $3.00
Price in other shops:
![Sing Your Blues Away [VHS] Image](/images/Sing-Your-Blues-Away-VHS-630419904X-X.jpg){kind=small}
Sing Your Blues Away [VHS]Chordant Distribution; Release date: 1996-09-03; VHS Tape; VHS Video
Best price: $6.18
Price in other shops:
![Rhythm Country & Blues [VHS] Image](/images/Rhythm-Country-Blues-VHS-630303831X-X.jpg){kind=small}
Rhythm Country & Blues [VHS]Mca; Release date: 1994-03-01; VHS Tape; VHS Video
Best price: $99.75
Robert Cray - Smoking GunPublished: 1988; Music CD
Similar CDs
Mehdi - Instrumental Evolution Volume 6Release date: 2009-09-24; Music CD
Best price: $14.98
Johannes Linstead - Sol Luna TierraRelease date: 1999-02-23; Music CD
Best price: $10.60
Price in other shops:
PassionRelease date: 2009-09-24; Music CD
Best price: $9.98
Price in other shops:
Johannes Linstead - MediterraneaRelease date: 2004-09-14; Music CD
Best price: $6.95
Price in other shops:
Gandalf - SanctuaryRelease date: 2009-04-21; Music CD
Best price: $11.20
Price in other shops:
Mehdi - Instrumental Heaven Volume 7Release date: 2009-09-24; Music CD
Best price: $9.97
Price in other shops:
Johannes Linstead - Cafe TropicalRelease date: 2009-03-17; Music CD
Best price: $10.01
Price in other shops:
Mehdi - Instrumental Paradise Volume 8Release date: 2009-09-24; Music CD
Best price: $14.98
Omar, Omar Akram - Opal FireRelease date: 2002-09-03; Music CD
Best price: $2.80
Price in other shops:
Omar, Omar Akram - Secret JourneyRelease date: 2007-09-25; Music CD
Best price: $11.69
Price in other shops: