As the first official Radio VL review, I thought the latest collaboration by Omar Sosa would be a perfect introduction. What better way to contribute to the 30 Days of Latino Heritage than with musicians that represent the complexity of Latinos?

If you are unfamiliar with Omar Sosa, in short, he’s been a part of the Afro-Cuban jazz genre and is one of the few who is pushing the genre of jazz in ways never heard before. His latest collaboration with flutist Mark Weinstein has resulted in Tales From The Earth, a remarkable 14 track cd that embraces and centers the multiple ways of creating, communicating and knowing among musicians. Artists from all over the world (Bénin, Cuba, Europe, Haiti, Ivory Coast and of Jewish and African-American heritage) have participated in the 2-day recording of this album and include Aly Keita (balafone), Jean Paul Bourelly (guitar), Stanislou Michalak (bass), Marque Gilmore (drums), Aho Luc Nicaise (lead vocals & percussion), and Mathias Agbokou (vocals & percussion).

The first track “Sunrise” instantly put a smile on my face. When I think of the sounds I would like to awake to in the morning, it is exactly what the artists created. Perhaps it is the vibrations that are made by the percussionists that so easily follow the rhythm of my breathing.  Track two “Invocation” offers the first opportunity for Weinstein and his flute to be highlighted. This is also the song that each artist can be heard including the vocalists. If you have to wonder who or what they are summoning, keep listening. “Walking Song” follows the lead of “Invocation” and “Tea Break” creates a more picturesque image in my mind of the mechanics of creating a space to consume and engage in such rituals.

The height of improvisation for me was “River Crossing,” and for good reason. If I were to imagine what it is like to cross bodies of water, or were to put to sound the testimonios of people who had to move through water to migrate somewhere, this would be the soundtrack. It is uncomfortable at times, rough, and unexpected to listen to at first. Yet upon hearing it again, I noticed the unpredictability that made the sounds even more powerful. Towards the end of this song it is familiar, joyous, and celebratory.

“Children At Play” is the halfway mark of the album. I wonder if the artists were imagining their own childhoods, or those of their own children as they created this song together. I believe they give us a glimpse into the environment they wish to create for children to safely play and explore as they are doing together. Jean Paul Bourelly and Stanislou Michalak’s guitar’s are paramount in this song.

The longest track at over seven minutes is “Men’s Talk.” Although similar in structure to other songs that are based upon improvisation, “Men’s Talk” also has moments where one or two instruments (including vocals) have a moment to be highlighted. As someone who is not a musician, I’m always fascinated by how musicians interpret and communicate in ways that they all understand when it is their time to step up and their time to step back.  This was also something I noticed on “Elders Speak” track number 13, where Weinstein’s flute, some percussion and a guitar were the only sounds for a majority of the track.

“Flirtation” and “Praise” offer more vocals than other songs and “Spirit Messenger” sounded the most to me like the Sosa songs I’ve heard in the past with communal chanting and vocals, heavy percussion, drumming, and up-tempo beats. Yet, I believe this is the appropriate sound for a conversation with the ancestors and spirits.

“Gratitude” is the last track and shares similar elements with the first track, “Sunrise,” it is a good way to conclude this album: reminding us there is so much to appreciate. Not only has this album been on heavy rotation in my home, but also it’s an amazing addition to the genres of jazz and world music. Tales Of The Earth comes just in time to expand those ideas of what “Latino” means and who is included. Sosa and Weinstein’s collaboration demonstrate that “Latino” is in Africa, the Americas, Europe, and the Caribbean and is spiritual, ancestral, communal, and it is that which is honored in this album.

Omar Sosa and the Afreecanos Quartet are on tour!

• Saturday October 17, 2009 at the Crowell Concert Hall at Wesleyan University in CT featuring Senegalese vocalist Mola Sylla
• Sunday October 18, 2009 at the Highline Ballroom in NYC featuring Senegalese vocalist Mola Sylla
• Wednesday October 21, 2009 at The Triple Door in Seattle, WA featuring Senegalese vocalist Mola Sylla
• Thursday October 22, 2009 at the Herbst Theater in San Francisco, CA featuring special guest vocalist Tim Eriksen

From the album Afreecanos: “Light In The Sky”