The Man

A 11 track neo-soul album (42m 11s) — released June 24th 2013 on Freestyle Records

"When I grow up, I wanna be like Omar" Stevie Wonder

There are precious few, if any contemporary UK artists whose creative credentials and influence extend as far and so consistently wide as Freestyle Records most recent signing Omar. Since first breaking through to worldwide renown all the way back in 1991 with his first releases on Gilles Petersons seminal Talking Loud label, and going onto work with all manner of musical legends including a certain Stevie, Erykah Badu, Angie Stone, Syreeta Wright, Common, and Carleen Anderson. With willing, enthusiastic and supportive collaborators like that, it's undeniable that Omar maintains his reputation as a soul music Don par excellence.

Fast forward to 2013, and Omar's reputation for being a thoroughly original artist following his own individual path remains undiminished. After recently picking up an M.B.E for his outstanding contribution to the UK music scene, even the British Establishment has now acknowledged what many already appreciated & understood for many years.

And in a most timely fashion, Omar returns with a brand new album that many say is without doubt the strongest of his entire career. The buzz generated by the single release of the albums title track'The Man' (FSR099) confirmed beyond doubt that Omar is very much at the top of his game, with everyone from 6 Music's' Gilles Peterson, Radio 2's Trevor Nelson and Jamie Cullum giving both major support and high praise for the simply magnificent new high point for Omar's renowned ability to write devastatingly catchy melodies, coupled with the more live, funkier production exemplified by this brand new, yet already classic song.

Across the rest of this new album, the musical treats just keep coming and are too many to list! Opener 'Simplify' sets the template, with its luscious & majestic, string backed introduction raising the curtain on this deep, hard grooving number which gives Omar the chance to display the full range and capacity of his unique voice.

Latin textures & rhythms have always been part of Omar's far reaching musical vocabulary, and within this collection and on Come On Speak To Me and Ordinary Day restless south American beats underpin the crisp and fresh melodies, with the latter track evoking samba fuelled, carnival vibes that simply sizzle with energy, and will wear out discerning dance-floors for years to come for certain.

Soul II Souls' Caron Wheeler distinctive voice features on the duetTreat You, a tale of troubled love that is mirrored by the delicate, subtle beats and minimal backing which allows these 2 legendary voices unite beautifully.

This release will surely become known as his most eclectic, confident, mature and soulful album of his career. After all, Stevie Wonder knows, Erykah Badu knows....and now everyone knows, Omar is The Man.

An album that’s been eagerly awaited and much anticipated. This doyen of UK soul has come up with the goods, and then some! - Peter Young Jazz FM

A master stroke! The Man is back and no mistake! - Chris Philips Mi-Soul/Jazz FM

The Album is sick... the whole thing... Omar has proven again why he is one of the best at bringing real soul to music. - Marcus Bronzy BBC 1Xtra

Massive album!!! So many good tracks on it! - Ronnie Herel Mi Soul Radio

My Album Of The Week! - Gilles Peterson BBC 6 Music

5 out of 5 smashing album with a whole lotta soul thanks to Omar for dropping pureness - Femi Fem Mi Soul Radio

Undeniably Omar in its soul perfection. An album of the year. - Ben Cox Stop.Look.Listen. Blog

A new masterpiece! - Tom Wieland Samurai.fm

he first time I’ve given a 5 star rating but Omar deserves nothing less - Matt Prophets From Beyond

The maestro give a master class. Simple as that. - Diesler Tru Thoughts

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