Omar Sosa's 88 Well-Tuned Drums

Star rating: 5/5

Director: Soren Sorensen

Omar Sosa's 88 well- tuned drums, directed by Soren Sorensen, is a joyful, textured documentary film that truly brings Omar Sosa's spirit and trajectory to life. 

'There is a border between being a great musician and a great artist. Omar has crossed that border a long time ago', says legendary Cuban jazzist Chucho Valdes. 

As the documentary illuminates, Omar Sosa's artistry is demonstrated by his preference for fusion of genres- jazz, funk, classical. He weaves different musical threads, virtuously. He is described as a conceptualist. We learn a lot about Omar's musical influences, not least from the US latin jazz scene, as well as some unique experiences he had, not least a visit to Africa. 

Omar Sosa's 88 well tuned drums, title which is a reference to the piano, Omar's core instrument which he sees as a percussion instrument, is narratively strong, featuring interviews with key people in his life and career.

Visually, it takes on a brilliant journey to many of Sosa's gigs in some incredible places, mostly in the Americas but also in Africa. It also features warm, eye catching animations which give the piece a bit of a chapter structure. They are intersections telling the viewer the story of the Yoruban diety Elegguá, master of life's cross-roads: decisions, opportunities, openings and obstacles. All of which are central to the creative life, and of high importance to the Afro-Cuban tradition that holds him as a popular diety, guardian of homes.

This is a high quality piece is one of the most interesting genres, and one with a fair amount of canon. It doesn't disappoint, and you will want to listen to Sosa's repertoire for days to come. A real discovery.