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To put it simply, Omar Lye-Fook is “The Man” and you should buy his new record, which coincidentally happens to go by the same title!
I’m quite happy to end this review right here, but will continue on for the sake of those who might be a unfamiliar with this legendary Brit.
At 44, this classically trained singer, songwriter and musician is often considered the Father of British neo-soul music.He’s worked with Stevie Wonder, Leon Ware, Erykah Badu, Common, and the list goes on! Recently appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire for his contributions to music, Omar’s undeniable talent has brought him worldwide acclaim.
For fans of Omar, seven years is a long time between drinks. Luckily for the past few years he’s been steadily working, collaborating with Zed Bias AKA Maddslinky, Mark de Clive Lowe, and Guru to name a few. Tru Thoughts also re-released his last album ‘Sing (If You Want It)’ in 2011 with bonus cuts. These releases kept us constantly checking for Omar and whet the appetite for his latest effort ‘The Man’.
‘The Man’ is a truly organic record, which once again displays his eclectic approach to music making. The live instrumentation on its 13 tracks fuses elements of Afro-Beat, Latin Jazz, Soul and Hip-Hop.
In my opinion, the title track is one of the hottest records of the year. He actually used a bass clarinet for a bassline? Like, wow! I was pulling uncontrollable ‘funk faces’ the first time I heard it. Combining strings, woodwind, and brass with emotive chord changes, he reminisces of a younger self, confessing previous foolish ways where he was “just trying to be the man”, and how ultimately falling in love made him “The Man”. I absolutely love how the musical arrangement connects with the subject of maturing. The progression ‘maturity’ of the song starts out as a harder ‘hip-hop stomper’ with more self-conceit and attitude and resolves ‘matures’ into a calm, beautiful and lush piece of music, which feels like “walking in sunshine”. Did I mention already that Omar is The Man?
Other highlights for me are ‘Simplify’, ‘Fuck War, Make Love’, ‘Treat You Like’ featuring Caron Wheeler (Soul II Soul), and the remake of his already classic ‘There’s Nothing Like This’ featuring long time D’Angelo collaborator, Pino Palladino on bass.
Omar’s longevity of making music, which is true to himself is something very rare in today’s music scene. I’d highly recommend you pick up ‘The Man’ and everything else he’s had a hand in. You’re life will be so much better for it!