Customer Reviews

Groovesmith

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

 

 

Review by Jim Lovins Sr.

OH-Zone Entertainment presents a new and exciting album - "The Groovesmith" featuring Omar Hakim, surrounded by some very talented people, with horn arrangements by the 911 Horns - Bobby Franchescini (tenor & soprano sax, flute), Barry Daniellian (trumpet & fluegelhorn), Ozzie Melendez (trombone) and John Scarpulla (tenor sax).

The album is simply "pure" and " inspirational" with harmonious and individuality mixed in with Hakim using a special ingredient called "originality". Each selection is like no other, featuring jazz, soul, reggae and new age mixed with complete sensitivity, as illustrated by the music and lyrics of Hakim, James Golden, Jerry Brooks, Reggie Segars and Robert Madiou. A beautiful ballad is one of the highlights - "TREASURE" featuring Samora Free and Hakim in a haunting and lyrical duet, the melody and harmony is lingering. This CD will soak up your subconscious as you try to remember where you heard this wonderful music.

Great things are in store for Omar Hakim, if this is a preview of coming attractions. "The Groovesmith" is a very exciting musical experience, and one you can't afford to miss!

If you are buying this then there's a good chance you are a big time 'Drummer' fan, with justifiably high expectations of Mr. Hakim. Anyone lucky enough to see him play 'live' with Sting or Madonna, or has heard albums by Marcus Miller / Miles Davis / Sanborn / Jo Sample etc. will know what I mean! Sadly Omar has moved in to the Soul arena a little too much for my liking, and quite honestly could consider leaving the vocals to others. Luckily there are several instrumental tracks on 'Groovesmith'; Sita's Dance which is slick and develops nicely, and the exceptional 'In The Arms of Dhyan' which has a great sound, and Omar propels it brilliantly and shows his real drum-class. The last track on the album is a fusion sound and has some edge, but the remainder drifts in to the Soul-Love-God-smoochin' catagory, but perhaps will appeal to the Pop crossover Soul audience. I'd have to recommend it to Drum-nuts, if only for the one or two exceptional tracks I've mentioned,& because his playing so grooving. The rest of the album is fine if you like a middle of the road happy pop sound.

Those who know Omar Hakim's history as the phenomenal drummer that has recorded and toured with Mile Davis, Dire Straits, Sting, Madonna, David Bowie and Wheather Report- to name only a few- and are expecting a drummers only CD...you may be disappointed. This CD shows many more sides to this artist and the drums aren't the main emphasis. Hakim's exceptional versatility as a drummer who has made a name for himself playing with some of the greatest Rock and Jazz musicians of our time is well documented. What isn't, is his ability as a song writer and vocalist. We had a taste of this with his only other solo CD "Rhythm Deep" which was Grammy nominated when it came out in 1989. This new CD was a long time coming and has a depth and maturity to it that makes it totally real to the listener. From the inspiring instrumental song "Sita's dance" to the more forceful and political "Stand Up" this CD is a real pleasure to listen to.

Omar always amazes us with his great gifts for music. Not many people know that he is also a awesome singer and writer since his drumming has made him so popular.And I understand that those who only know him as a drummer get disappointed at his solo CDs. But if you get rid of the idea that he is a drummer,
you will find the other side of him in his music, which I have really been attracted to. When he sings , he gives us the same energy that he gives us from his drumming.I've been a fan of Omar's for more than twenty years and I still get great positive and happy vibe from his music. It would be nice if he can make so-called fusion album though. Omar keep it up and I'm looking forward to it!! Mayumi

Yeah, He is the best MUSICIAN in the world. Love is the biggest piece of his heart.

Personally I dont like this album as much as his previous solo effort. This could be because this diverse musicisian just tries to include too many styles in the album and so doesnt quite know where its going. I enjoyed the more pop/funk songs the most which were more evident in his last album. These incude the fun title track which has a really cool beat to it including a nice break in it with just the bass drum, track 5 which is his best 'slower' song on the album, and track 9 mainly because of some amazing drums towards the end. The last couple of tracks are also enjoyable and some have him on the new Roland V drum electric kit which is interesting to hear(sounds just like a real kit). So over all a good listen if you are a fan of Omar or like drums but otherwise not the best.

Those who know Omar Hakim's history as the phenomenal drummer that has recorded and toured with Mile Davis, Dire Straits, Sting, Madonna, David Bowie and Wheather Report- to name only a few- and are expecting a drummers only CD...you may be disappointed. This CD shows many more sides to this artist and the drums aren't the main emphasis. Hakim's exceptional versatility as a drummer who has made a name for himself playing with some of the greatest Rock and Jazz musicians of our time is well documented. What isn't, is his ability as a song writer and vocalist. We had a taste of this with his only other solo CD "Rhythm Deep" which was Grammy nominated when it came out in 1989. This new CD was a long time coming and has a depth and maturity to it that makes it totally real to the listener. From the inspiring instrumental song "Sita's dance" to the more forceful and political "Stand Up" this CD is a real pleasure to listen to.

I knew when growing up with Omar on 168th St.and listening to him play drums in his basement that he was destined for greatness.Under the great teachings of his father, who was also my violin teacher in elementary school,I am not surprised at all of his great accomplishments. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK OMAR!