MARK WEINSTEIN / OMAR SOSA - TALES FROM THE EARTH (CD-2009)

Mark Weinstein - Concert alto and bass flutes

 Omar Sosa - Piano, Vibes and marimbas

Ali Keita - Ballaphone

Jean Paul Bourelly - Guitar

Mathais Ogbukoa - Vocals and African percussion

Aho Luc Nicaise - Vocals and African percussion

Stanislou Michalou - Bass

Marque Gilmore - Drums

Sunrise

Invocation

Walking song

Tea break

Forest Journey

Riving Crossing

Children at play

Men's Talk

Flirtation

Praise

Spiriti Messenger

Celebration

Elders Speak

Gratidute

review by Paul J. Youngman - KJA Advocate for VINILEMANIA.NET

A new release from flutist Mark Weinstein and pianist Omar Sosa, Tales From The Earth. Recorded in 2004 in Berlin, Germany, this is a collective that was put together by Weinstein and guitarist, producer Jean Paul Bourelly, to go into the studio and record for two days. The result is an amazing collaboration of African spirit that captures fantastic improvised music. Fourteen tracks of music, some songs are very short, although most are over four minutes in length. Tales From The Earth is a deep and spiritual recording with musicianship at the highest level. The music is a mix of traditional Afro Cuban and Brazilian rhythms and in the hands of  these masterful contemporary musicians the result - a powerful concoction.    

Weinstein and Sosa are joined by the bassist Stanislou Michalak, Balafon player Aly Keita, guitarist Jean Paul Bourelly, drummer Marque Gilmore, percussionist and vocalist Aho Luc Nicaise and Mathias Agbokou, the musicians communicate as one. The liner notes indicate that the group went into the studio without any music and without a concept but they had a shared commitment to the music of Africa in all its many forms. As with any spirited adventure, exploration occurs, it is also noted that in the original recording some of the tracks lasted for twenty minutes, Weinstein’s engineer Phil Ludwig edited, mixed and mastered the final product. If this was not mentioned I would not have picked up on any editing, as every track flows smoothly – so job well done.

Santeria or Candomblé religion is well represented, from “Invocation” with chanting and drawing on sacred energies, the vocalists give way to the instruments that represent the natural elements. The flute as wind, the marimba with its rain drop tones, the driving bass as the earth rumbles under the pressure. The spirit world of “Forrest Journey” with an eerie bass, dark and dangerous. The bass flute flows into the scene laying out a delightful melody.  Or so one could imagine, as this music conjures imagery.

The song “Praise” begins with a melodic guitar - single strings picked and gliding chords with sustained notes that give way to chanting. The vocalist sings, “God bless you” heavily accented and followed by the names of Santeria spirits.  On “Elders Speak” flute and bass in deep communication perform a duet of brilliance. Throughout the album the percussion is ever evolving, adding to and changing the feel, from passive to actively exciting. The marimbas in “Gratitude” are ripping it up with fast repetitive rhythms, a nice melody line and vocalists praising the Orishas. Ancient traditions come vividly to life in blazing glory on Tales From The Earth.