CD REVIEWS

Secret Journey; Omar Akram (Real Music) – Fans of smooth jazz and new age music may already be familiar with the music of Omar Akram, who was known simply as Omar on his first two albums, 2002’s Opal Fire and 2004’s Free As A Bird. On his new release, Secret Journey, Akram continues to explore exotic musical textures, weaving strong melodies around multi-cultural rhythms and once again challenging the notion that new age and smooth jazz are best suited for elevators and long naps.

In fact, Akram might be the perfect artist for those who appreciate the soothing, uplifting aspects of the genre, but find themselves frustrated and bored when the music meanders for too long, or abandons all rhythmic foundations. Akram is a skilled composer, and has learned to anchor his melodies, whether soaring (as in lead track “Run Away With Me”) or tranquil (as in “Shimmering Star”), to distinctive rhythms.

Secret Journey also benefits from its unifying theme. In addition to the title track, all of the tunes were inspired by what might be seen or felt on a special trip. The approach allows Akram to incorporate exotic musical flavors from around the world. The son of a U.N. diplomat, Akram spent decades living around the globe, soaking up musical influences from far flung locales such as Afghanistan, Cuba, France, Switzerland and the Czech Republic.

“I look around me and see people who are bored, restless, stagnant,” he explains, “and I know they often take ‘secret journeys’ in their mind as they daydream about other places they could be. The lucky ones get to take an actual trip where they escape from the pressures of their lives. They see new places and have uncommon experiences. I like to think the music on my album can serve as the soundtrack for their journey, whether it is a mental or a physical trip. Everyone needs to get away sometime.”

Akram is accompanied by a group of world-class musicians, including keyboardist Gregg Karukas, and guitarist Ramon Stagnaro, who shins especially bright on the standout track, “Passage of the Heart.”

Secret Journey is a wonderful album with tremendous cross-over potential. Like the work of Kenny G, Kitaro, John Tesh, it will appeal to both devotees of the genre as well as to those who would rarely listen to new age or smooth jazz. Both camps will find many pleasures on this Secret Journey.