Osaru is a musician, composer and vocalist who lives and works in the heart of the Piedmont Triad in North Carolina, USA. His debut CD, Home, now available on CD Baby, takes you on an R&B and Jazz infused journey through his early adult years to the present day. It celebrates life, love and long-term commitment.
Osaru presents the listener with classic R&B vocal styles and movements that keep the overall vibe more ambiguous as the instruments also stay specifically within tried and true R&B perimeters. The prominently instrument-heavy mix offers a relaxed melody and rhythm that is definitely not over-produced and presents an old school feel to Home. An older crowd could surely attach themselves to the vibe as well as younger crowds that relate to and enjoy a classic R&B sound.
The chemistry of sound and production between Osaru’s vocals and music lends itself to a relaxed and in the background feel. The direction of rhythm and feel on Home stays very consistent and within itself while the production and composition work makes sure not to experiment with other musical influences, avenues or production. Home’s sound engineering takes interesting liberties in offering less low-end frequencies/bass and much crisper and noticeable highs/high-mid frequencies and his smooth vocal delivery left me wanting to hear them more prominently in the mix.
Osaru’s lyrical themes are classic and the production makes no attempt to deviate by mixing in or innovating the album with a more 2008 Pop/R&B sound. The lower vocal mix gives Home a more private/bedroom music vibe.
As opposed to the vocals and lyrics fueling the emotions of the album, the high music mix is the engine of the tracks. The instruments are what may encourage the listener to stay in the emotional moment while being only slightly egged on by the vocals.
On Home, it’s obvious that Osaru gives his very personal best and is particularly passionate about his work. To be in the audience at a live Osaru performance at my nearest Jazz or R&B lounge would definitely be an enjoyable and interesting night.
Ahmad A. Farzad aka “Nastii”– MuzikReviews.com Contributor
October 9, 2008
