Customer Reviews

Opal Fire

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I LOVE THIS ALBUM! I first heard Omar's music on the Real Music compilation "Freedom to Love," and his track, "Last Dance," was my favorite on that album. I was really looking forward to Omar's debut CD, and it is even better than I was hoping! A classically-trained pianist with an international upbringing (he is the son of a UN diplomat), Omar mixes acoustic piano with synthesized orchestrations, creating a sparkling musical palette with colors from all over the world. It is impossible to not compare Omar's music to Yanni's early work - it is full of fire and excitement as well as beauty and emotion, and the instrumentation is varied on each track. One major difference is that Omar's piano always sings through, and he is obviously a pianist first rather than simply using the piano as one of an assortment of instruments. My favorite piece is still "Last Dance," which grabs me every time, and stays in my head long after the CD has finished playing. It starts out with a light piano melody, and is gradually filled in with other instruments and rhythms. This is not a sad "last dance," although there is a slightly bittersweet quality to the melody - the piece is really quite joyful, and I can't get enough of it. There are no weak tracks on this album, but a few others really stand out for me. "Morning Rain" is a beautiful, gentle piece with mostly piano and guitar. The melody is simple, but so beautiful and passionate that this one sticks in my head, too. "Farewell For Now" has a classical feel when it is just the piano with background instrumentation, but then the rhythm track kicks in, bringing it right back to the 21st century and giving it a big grin. "Innocence Lost" is one of the few sad tracks, but demonstrates Omar's range of playing and composing styles - just gorgeous! "Gypsy Woman" is big and noisy in parts more subdued in others, and is full of fun. It's hard to believe that the guitar parts are synth. "Longing" is a quiet piece, mostly piano and strings, and full of passion - again compellingly beautiful. "Opal Fire" is definitely one of my "top 5" favorite albums for the year so far, and I can't wait to hear more from this incredibly gifted artist. I give "Opal Fire" my highest recommendation.

Soon everyone will know his name. Omar is the new sensation in New Age instrumental music. I give his cd " Opal Fire" as a gift to a friend. She liked it so much, that I decided to order 10 more to send to friends and family as Christmas present.
Thanks Omar!

I bought Opal Fire by Omar based on a friends recommendation for myself. It is just beautiful, I love his melodies. Now my whole family listens to Opal Fire. I hope to hear more from this artist in the future.

I am very selective when it comes to music. Several friends of mine told me about " Omar ", and his debut cd " Opal Fire " they bought the cd, and they thought that I should buy it too.
Well I just got it, and loved it! This cd is exotic, and has beautiful melodies. Omar stands out on his own, he is not copying anyone. He is an original artist, that hopefully will give us beautiful music for years to come.

Track 4 seems to borrow from Chris Spheeris a bit too much (who, for all I know, may have borrowed from someone else). But whereas Chris Spheeris is consistently tasteful, most of Omar's tunes are made a little too grandiose. This is probably caused by not having an experienced producer.

Sensitivity is the missing ingredient on this cd, except on the title track, a nice melody with a nice rhythm, which is definitely worth buying.

I bought Opal Fire by Omar based on a friends recommendation for myself. It is just beautiful, I love his melodies. Now my whole family listens to Opal Fire. I hope to hear more from this artist in the future.

My parents bought "Opal Fire" by Omar. I am a college student, and don't generally listen to this type of music. But I love this cd. So if you are a college student like myself, you will enjoy this cd, listen when you study or relaxing.

I just purchased "Opal Fire" by Omar. This has to be one of the best cd's I've heard in a long time. It is exotic and beautiful.
If you are looking for something new and different in the New Age genre. This is the CD!

This is a great album. Omar is one of the greatest pianist out there! I am recommending him to all my friends.