Recorded by Ota Records and distributed in the USA by Harmonia mundi usa, the Omar Sosa solo piano release A NEW LIFE is one of the finest world music CD collections to come out in recent years. A NEW LIFE showcases the innovative and eclectic brilliance of jazz pianist Omar Sosa. All songs are composed and performed by Omar Sosa, and each one is a beautiful and unique jazz expression.

There are 18 selections in this collection. Among the intimate, complex songs are found "Calling The Baby," "Una Mano," "Three Persons," "Crash De La Tierra," "Vuelvo Iyawo," "Danzon De Los Indios," "Escucho,," "El Puente Conversando," "El Aliento," "Memory," "Paloma Herida," "Ofrenda," "El Campo De Arere," "La Otra Mano," "Crashing Waves," "Suenos De Infancia," "Nacimiento," and "Otra Nana." Each song has a special jazz message, each song is a flawless performance, and each song is memorable.

There is a gentle, almost straight-ahead/classic feel to these performances, and each one is highly introspective. If this is the new direction Omar Sosa is going, his style and interpretations are flawless and memorable in concept, and there is a hope there will be many more such jazz piano outings such as the lovely A NEW LIFE. There is the blending of jazz styles which makes this a perfect world music entry able to garner many top music awards.

Omar Sosa has previous recordings. His complete performance schedule is available at www.melodia.com. Omar Sosa recently gave a piano performance at the Montrea Jazz Festival on July 2, 2003.

It would be interesting to see the stylings Omar Sosa could give to the American Songbook, performing the music of such American composers as Cole Porter, George Gershwin, John Mercer, Jerome Kern, and others. Omar Sosa is one of the finest world jazz pianist/composers performing today and may he always be blessed with that wonderful creativity that never seems to run dry! Omar Sosa is the man for all seasons when it comes to innovative jazz piano.

A NEW LIFE is highly recommended. A NEW LIFE is a flawless jazz piano collection that is both memorable and a classic in the making. Congratulations, Omar Sosa, on a creative project well-crafted and realized in its intimate sharing with the jazz listening audience.