One of the most interesting and yet enigmatic aspects of the British music industry Killer Opening Songs has encountered since it came over to live in the UK more than ten years ago is why homegrown talent is not given the same space and airtime as its US counterparts. Take British soul music. With artists like Mica Paris and Sade this country should not be in awe of musical imports from across the pond. However as series after series of that Machiavellian, diabolical invention called X Factor shows, contestants are more willing to let rip on a karaoke version of Aretha Franklin's fantastic and timeless tune 'Think' than a song closer to their own territory, for example, Beverley Knight's excellent composition, 'Shoulda Woulda Coulda'.Fortunately we still have Omar. And K.O.S. is ever so pleased to have the British soul singer on the lounge this week.
Omar was born and raised in Canterbury, Kent where he developed his musical style at an early age on account of having a father who was in a band. He learnt how to play trumpet, piano and drums, making it into the county’s youth orchestra as principle percussionist, followed by two years at music college in Manchester.
Tonight's clip, ‘There’s Nothing Like This’, came out when the musician was only 22 and has since become a summer soul classic (I know, it's still early spring days, but K.O.S. doesn't respect seasons when it comes to music, sometimes he will be playing A Tribe Callled Quest's landmark album 'People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm' in the middle of a winter day. That's the nature of Our Weekly Introductory-Tracks Rendezvous and we must abide by his rules).
Omar also is one of the few artists whose debut album entered the UK charts unaided by promotion or advertising. This serves as further proof of the quality his music has.
'There's Nothing Like This' is one those tunes that will have you tapping your feet or snapping your fingers as you, unconsciously, bob your head up and down or move it side to side. Just be careful when you are slicing those onions, will you? Because this is, indeed, music to do your household chores to. Whereas K.O.S. usually uses Stevie Wonder's 'Songs in the Key of Life' or Ornette Coleman's 'Free Jazz' (yes, the one with the Jackson Pollock cover) as background music when doing the washing up or cleaning the kitchen, Omar's records are just as good. And the lyrics are powerful, too.
Omar has also recorded with other renowned artists like Stevie Wonder and Erykah Badu. In fact the only time K.O.S. has seen the British musician on stage was at a concert in Brixton academy a few years ago with Erykah and K.O.S. was mightily impressed. His voice was strong and versatile and his rapport with the audience was spontaneous and friendly.
So, without any further ado, here's Omar.
Copyright 2009
