International Songwriting Competition Finalist

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International Songwriting Competition Finalist

Omar Sosa has just been named a finalist in the 2005 International
Songwriting Competition (Instrumental) for his composition “Mis Tres
Notas”. 1.4% of almost 15,000 entrants were selected as finalists.
Winners in 15 categories will be announced in March 2006. Judges include
Sonny Rollins, Macy Gray, Tom Waits, and John Scofield.

“Mis Tres Notas” first appeared on the Omar Sosa CD “Free Roots” (OTA1003),
and was recently re-released on the Omar Sosa compilation, “Ballads”
(OTA1015).

Songs of the finalists are eligible for the People’s Voice – an online
voting contest that allows the public to listen to all the finalists’ songs
and vote for their favorite. People’s Voice is separate from, and in
addition to, the winners selected by ISC’s panel of judges.

If you would like to review the 2006 ISC finalists and consider a vote
for “Mis Tres Notas”, please visit:

www.songwritingcompetition.com/pvwelcome_2005.htm.

Omar Sosa CDs are available at www.melodia.com.

BALLADS (OTA1015)

“Cuban pianist-composer-bandleader Omar Sosa describes this retrospective
of his early work as “ten themes of yesterday,” but his artistry has never
been anything but forward-looking. Evident throughout is the inspired
introspection that infuses Sosa’s work. “The spirits play through us,” he
says, a matter-of-fact observation borne out in his invocation of the Cuban
orishas who animate his live performances and recordings alike. The
individual virtuosity of the gifted talents he enlists is self-evident, but
the overall approach is understated, and resonant throughout is the
ensemble effect, an exquisite collective sound. Hear the expressive
lyricism of “Para Ella,” the muted orchestral breadth of “Gracias Senor,”
the serene ebb and flow of “Para Dos Parados,” the subtle montuno drive
of “Antes De Ir Va Esto,” the tender bolero of “Mis Tres Notas”. Sosa’s
faraway balladry is dappled with allusions to Frederic Chopin, Keith
Jarrett and Bill Evans, but the instrumental signature is purely his own”.

-Michael Stone, RootsWorld

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