Osaru is a talented multi-instrumentalist, producer and songwriter whose musical style is a cross between jazz, R&B and a percussion that has roots in African, European and North American traditions. Compared to Seal and Kenny G, Osaru’s music is upbeat, yet laid back with smooth undertones of positivity and optimism. All The Way is Osaru’s third album.
From the first note of the title track “All the Way” you can hear the luscious tones of smooth jazz blended with bursts of vocalization, saxophone and percussion that guides you into a mellow R&B experience. The layers of sound capture your mind and heart and lead you into the rest of the album, eagerly awaiting the next track.
“Swagger” has to be my favorite piece on the album. The hip funk feeling is captured by the breathy vocals, sax and creative harmonization of the percussion elements. This song is all about the joy of being alive and walking this world with a purpose. Don’t just walk. Swagger. Feel the sun on your face. Let the wind roll over you. Help someone in need. Hold someone’s hand. Share beautiful music and let happiness pervade your heart.
“Where You Dey Go” is a burst of unexpected color that explodes across the canvas of the album. Vibrant playing is a splash of pigment that illuminates the mind’s eye with feelings of positive energy. This is another piece that really sticks out for the sheer rhythm that gets you out of your funk. Want a little slice of smooth R&B heaven? This is your silver cloud with some electric lining.
“Always” is a chilled out hip grinder of a seduction that made me think of the sensation of biting into a really rich salted caramel milk chocolate bar and letting the sweet and salty blend together to give you that flavor blast that you crave. Smooth and luscious, the sax on this piece serenades you to the backdrop of keyboards and percussion that will stir your soul.
Osaru began his musical career at the young age of eight, playing percussion, a church organ and as a keyboardist during college. He now has quite the repertoire. Fluid in keyboards, acoustic guitar, electric bass, alto and soprano sax, percussions, the WX5 wind controller, drums and vocals, you can often find him mixing up a wide range of musical sensations in his home studio he as dubbed the O.R. (operating room). Osaru also works as a physician. You can hear some of the influences of Boney James, Seal, Alicia Keys and Stevie Wonder to name just a few. But one thing is for sure, if you enjoy smooth jazz and R&B, you need to check out this album. Osaru performs every aspect from the vocals on down and it is a lovely compilation. Chock full of positive vibes and a diverse blend of music that showcases Osaru’s European, African and North American travels, All The Way is a keeper.
Key Tracks- All the Way, Swagger, Always, Where You Dey Go
September 19, 2012
