Customer Reviews

Free As a Bird

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"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!

My mother was a very talented pianist and had quite the ear for music as well. She once said of jazz "it doesn't go anywhere." I understand the frustration that some might feel about jazz. Especially smooth jazz as it is really the light version of the old American invention.

However, I have a bad feeling, a really bad feeling, that for the most part: it has all been done before. The last rock riff, the final power cord, the last minuet, perhaps, even the last solo...has been done. Smooth jazz perhaps is where we tie it all together and rearrange the music for the encore. And this is where Omar shines the brightest. His music will not challenge your ear. In fact, I think he just nudges it in the slightest way with "do you remember when?" His music revisits the history of music. I hear flamenco, and latin sounds, Handle's garden parties, the dark ages...perhaps even Pan playing his flute.

This CD is a good place to turn to when you need to unwind, take a bubble bath, entertain some friends in a quiet moment, or turn down the lights and caress your lover. Its good. Thanks Omar, you and your musicians have a smooth sound, a quiet moment, a riff, a beat to make even the most jaded ear a happy one.

-John

This CD is indescribable, it is so awesome. It sets your heart free. It is a mix of cultures, all blended together like a dance, full of compasion and love. I could listen to it over and over. Omar is amazing.

I sampled omar free as a bird album and i bought it instantly, the music is so much dreamy , the piano sound seems like he is playing in front of me and its flawless, my favourite tracks are all of them,now im listening to beauty unveiled, all i can say is wow,it takes you to a different world, i cant skip any,its that good, if you are a fan of yanni, chris spheeris buy this album, cant wait for his next album, keep it up Omar.

After hearing a sample of Free as a Bird, I was instantly drawn in and extemely impressed. I couldn't wait to get my hands on this cd. Omar's music is beautiful, romantic, and brings a sense of peace and calm. It's music that you can't get tired of. I highly recommend it to all music lovers.

Omar's new age music is out of this world. This is all I listen now and I will never be tired of it. Everyone I introduced it to loved it. Try it for yourself. Start from " last dance" and "passion into midnight".

You can never get enough listening to this music at any time anywhere. Great gift idea. I did and it was highly appreciated

Omar Akram is another truly great composer/pianist.

His music is played with passion,and this album in particular is brilliant.

He makes great use of both his piano and keyboard to produce music that is both enjoyable and unique.

This is my favorite album by Omar. Every song has a beautiful melody, especially Passage to Midnight.

Everything was delivered on time, and I had no problems about what was ordered. I will used this again.