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| Omar Sosa will perform at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, downtown Seoul, May 14, as part of Seoul Jazz Festival. / Courtesy of Private Curve |
By Cathy Rose A. Garcia
Staff Reporter
Every day life serves as the inspiration for musician Omar Sosa's exciting and inspiring brand of Latin jazz music.
``I find my inspiration in everyday life, as I try to live life, feel each moment and each place I pass by. I then try to transmit all these experiences that touch me,'' Sosa said, in an email interview with The Korea Times.
Sosa is considered one of the most versatile jazz artists around. He is a composer, arranger, producer, pianist, percussionist, bandleader, and not to mention, charismatic performer.
The Cuban-born artist is known for creating a unique Latin jazz sound that combines elements of world music, electronic beats and Afro-Cuban rhythms. A New York Times reviewer once described Sosa's music as ``the unifying sort, yoking together Africa and jazz and Latin America and hip-hop.''
There is something truly special about Sosa's music that resonates with people from different countries and cultures. ``The base of our music comes from our roots, from where we are. There is a total honesty when it comes to what we are feeling. I have always said that if you give love and authenticity there is no reason to not receive back the same thing,'' he said.
Only 44, Sosa has recorded 19 albums, reaped critical acclaim and received Grammy Award nominations and other awards. In 2003, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Smithsonian Institution for his contribution in promoting Latin music in the United States.
With all these achievements, Sosa is far from resting on his laurels: continuing to perform and still working hard to see some of his dreams come true.
``You always have dreams you would like to pursue, and the one that keeps my mind busy these days is to record (his latest album) `Afreecanos' with a symphony orchestra, which I believe I'll get to do someday. I live with my feet on the earth, which helps me see things as they are. My expectations aren't as high as they were when I was 20. Now, I try to take it more easily, in a more relaxed and peaceful manner, which is in fact quite hard, since I'm quite an impatient person when it comes to this kind of things,'' he said.
With his years of experience and success in the music industry, Sosa offers a few words of advice for aspiring musicians.
``The path I know and recommend is just one: listen to your inner voice, which is what marks your path. Then, it's your turn to work hard every day, every second, looking forward to achieving your goal. This way, you will make your reality your truth. Listen to as much music as possible from all over the world ― this will make you see clearer what you really want to say,'' he said.
Sosa says he would love to collaborate with Korean artists, although he admitted not having listened to a lot of Korean music. For his upcoming concert in Seoul, he hopes to make a musical and emotional connection with Korean fans.
Sosa will perform May 14 for ``Stylish Jazz Night,'' at the Seoul Jazz Festival, Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, downtown Seoul.
To get there, get off Gwanghwamun Subway Station Line 5 and take exit 1 or 8. Tickets cost from 44,000 won to 110,000 won. For ticket information in English, send e-mail to info@privatecurve.com or call (02) 563-0595. Visit www.seouljazz.co.kr or ticket.interpark.com.
[출처 : 코리아타임스]
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