Continuing on his quest to bring understanding and harmony through music, Omar Sosa and the VJ Ensemble made a riveting multi-media and multi-cultural presentation for the first of a two-night run.

Omar Sosa and Yassir Chadly

'It's all about love' and how during these times 'we need to be together', spoke the eloquent Cuban-born artist. His striking lean figure, always in white, in homage to the diety Obatatalá, was never still for long at the keyboard. Either jumping as he plays, standing up or perhaps playing the piano strings with shells or on the side of the piano itself, Omar's vitality is hard to contain when he plays.

Singer Marta Galarraga of Colombia did not make it to the concert because of US State Department problems, one example of many as artists from select countries continue to have problems entering the US to perform. Omar dedicated the concert to Nigerian drum master Babatunde Olatunji, who recently passed.

A stellar and multi-cultural crew joined with Omar in a lot of intense improvisation to a backdrop of video images. On occasion, the images added to the music and the message the group was presenting. But often, they were unnecessary and distracting. The strength of each artist's voice, whether vocal or instrumental, sent very clear messages on their own.

Omar Sosa & the VJ Ensemble

A key theme was the upsurdity and horror of war, the US involvement in Iraq in particular. Yassir Chadly, Moroccan-born singer and musician, time and again brought the kaos and intensity of a tune, driven by Omar's playing as well as the group's, back down to a peaceful level as his clear, rich voice sang Moroccan chants as if to be the voice of reason in all the mayhem of the music.

Gustavo Ovalles on percussion and a Venezuelan carangan, similar to the Brazilian berimbao, backed and played off of Omar and the group superbly. His talented maracas to Omar's soulful piano made for a delightful duet.

Rapper Brutha Los rapped poignant lines of questioning the war, sending, once again, our 'virgins to war' and of racial inequality. His superb timing and spontaneity had the audience rocking, as he rhymed over the rest of the group's music.

Stephen Kent was on digeridoo but not very effective when the volume of a given piece reached a certain level. When a duet or trio played, the rich tones could be heard.

The concert ended with intense feelings. Heart and soul was played and received by an appreciative audience. Unfortunately, the Forum at the Yerba Buena Center is much to be desired for music as it is like playing in a small gym. The group was worthy of the theater venue. Perhaps this will be adjusted for their next visit and perhaps Omar's message for peace will have been heard and taken to heart around the world.

Review ©2003 by Julia Sewell
Photos ©2003 by Tom Ehrlich
No reproduction of any kind without permission.
All rights reserved.

 

Back