{"title":"Omar","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"the-man-3","title":"The Man","description":"\u003cp\u003eOmar returns with a brand new album that many say is without doubt the strongest of his entire career. Opener 'Simplify' sets the template, with its luscious and majestic string backed introduction raising the curtain on this deep, hard grooving number. Omar also joins forces with Germany's Hidden Jazz Quartett on High Heels - growling organ spars with the tough, jagged drumbeat on this tough, funk driven collaboration. Elsewhere, latin textures and rhythms have always been part of Omar's far reaching musical vocabulary, and on 'Come On Speak To Me' and 'Ordinary Day' restless south American beats underpin the crisp and fresh melodies. Soul II Soul's Caron Wheeler offers her distinctive voice on the duet 'Treat You', allowing these two legendary voices to unite beautifully. Completing the circle that began all the way back in the early 1990s, Omar has re-recorded his classic love song 'There's Nothing Like This', which this time features bass player to the Gods Pino Palladino. The touching sentiment remains undiminished, but the addition of soaring strings, soulful, jazzy horns, a vibrant live and acoustic feel, plus an extended and new arrangement. This album will surely become known as the most eclectic, confident, mature and soulful album of his career. After all, Stevie Wonder knows, Erykah Badu knows... and now everyone knows; Omar is The Man.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Freestyle","offers":[{"title":"LP","offer_id":50405514969419,"sku":"364580","price":16.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"CD","offer_id":50405515526475,"sku":"364579","price":5.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/31acd5c9-ac3b-4e66-820b-4801ae56c6a1_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726578689"},{"product_id":"its-so","title":"It's So","description":"\u003cp\u003eBack in 2004 a 4 track 12'' EP appeared from Omar's own label to wide acclaim with one track in particular, a driving heady slice of peak time broken beat soul receiving global appeal and mass attention. Championed by the likes of Gilles Peterson, Patrick Forge \u0026amp; IG Culture  'It's So' went on to become a highlight in the live sets and remains as fresh today as it did over 20 years ago. An instrumental version was never released so this completes the package on the flip as a Mukatsuku exclusive.  'It's So ' featured on the Mukatsuku Records feature on Gilles Peterson's Worldwide show in January of this year. 500 hand-numbered copies. Strictly no repress. As played by DJ Koco, Dom Servini, Rob Luis, Kevin Beadle, Shuya Okino, Smoove \u0026amp; more\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mukatsuku","offers":[{"title":"Black 7\"","offer_id":50413810123083,"sku":"2197958","price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/test_a97e0f58_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726677542"},{"product_id":"love-in-beats","title":"Love In Beats","description":"\u003cp\u003e\"When I grow up, I wanna be like Omar\" Stevie Wonder. \"Still ...one of the best voices I've ever heard\" Erykah Badu. Stevie Wonder, Angie Stone, Syreeta Wright, Common, Estelle, Incognito's Bluey Maunick, Erykah Badu, Carleen Anderson, Caron Wheeler, Leon Ware, India Arie, Lamont Dozier, Zed Bias, Pino Palladino, Roger Sanchez, Guru \u0026amp; Jazzmatazz, Maddslinky, Kele le Roc, Mario Biondi...all these people have one thing in common - all are admirers of, and past collaborators with the truly unique, gifted, original artist... British soul pioneer Omar (Omar Lyefook - MBE) The musical history is renowned - the Lyefook family has musical talent embedded deep in it's DNA. Omars' father Byron worked as a studio musician and drummer with Bob Marley, Horace Andy and even The Rolling Stones. Samia Lye-Fook (Omar's sister) is a highly regarded vocalist in her own right, and a BRIT School alumni. Omars' younger brother, the Grammy winning producer, remixer and DJ professionally known as Scratch Professer has been making jaws drop since, as a 13 year old, stunning the crowd at the 1988 DMC UK Finals with his turntablist skills - and of course - lets not forgot their big brother....Omar. Following on from 2013's album The Man, his first for London based independent label Freestyle Records, 2017 sees his new long player further cement his enviable reputation, as did receiving his MBE for services to music at Buckingham Place, and featuring in Javon Princes' comedy series on BBC2 television. Love In Beats is Omars' 8th studio album and may just be the most eclectic \u0026amp; varied to date. Somewhat more electronic in it's conception and sound than it's predecessor, Love In Beats incorporates soul, Caribbean rhythms, an undercurrent of funk, with touches of zouk, a jazzy waltz, spoken word and also features collaborations with US soul legend Leon Ware, Blue Note pianist Robert Glasper, rapper Ty, Guadeloupe born singer Jean-Michele Rotin, and Uk soultress Natasha Watts, The Floacist and Mayra Andrade, the Cape Verdean born singer who lives and records in Paris. Mainly recorded at his own Backayard Studio in South London his unique voice, multi -instrumental and production skills, together Omar and Scratch have brought forth a new collection that may just be the most beautifully formed and career defining album of all. Omar expands up on the inspiration, and the long running musical brotherhood which has forged this latest collection: 'This is album is labour of love between myself and my Grammy award winning brother The Scratch Professer. Powerful songs over mesmerising beats in the evolution - that is omarmusic and Brothers sound, it is truly 'Love in Beats'\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Freestyle","offers":[{"title":"LP","offer_id":50435751280971,"sku":"1005101","price":17.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"CD","offer_id":50435751608651,"sku":"1004525","price":10.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/685aba2a-aed7-41f3-9ff4-c735bc34ed23_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726907203"},{"product_id":"the-man-refix","title":"The Man (Refix)","description":"\u003cp\u003eFresh from beginning his stint on Eastenders, the ridiculously multi-faceted Omar Lyefook MBE drops a new refix of 2013's The Man. Originally forming the title track of his standout album of the same name - his first album for the Freestyle label - the infectious melodies and low-slung beats of The Man represented some of the UK icon's best work to date, not to mention some of the funkiest use of a bass clarinet ever. This fresh and contemporary take uses the final few bars of the original track as its starting point in a \"part 2\" style - and though retaining its gloriously sun-soaked \u0026amp; laid-back groove, Omar somehow manages to simultaneously pull off a speaker rattling banger to boot. It should come as no surprise that Omar continues to surprise us, and this is no exception.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Freestyle","offers":[{"title":"Black | 7\"","offer_id":50465185300811,"sku":"1165686","price":14.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}]},{"product_id":"the-anthology","title":"The Anthology","description":"\u003cp\u003eOmar Lyefook MBE is without doubt, one of the greatest soul music talents the United Kingdom has produced in the last 40 years. If anyone has doubts about that, then they might want to consider the list of legendary artists who happily line up to collaborate with him musically, or simply sing his praises - from Stevie Wonder, the late Leon Ware, Erykah Badu, Common, through to Carleen Anderson, D'Angelo, and Soul II Soul's Caron Wheeler, Angie Stone and U.K. artists Courtney Pine, Rodney P, Kele LeRoc, Natasha Watts and Estelle, all appreciate his truly original and unique voice, musicianship and songwriting talent.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhen asked to reflect on his long, successful, critically acclaimed and deeply influential career that shows no signs of slowing up, Omar said \u003ci\u003e\"I feel blessed. I try to keep things moving and evolving, and when I finish an album, I always put my heart and soul into it. I'm looking at it from an outsider's point of view, because I never really see myself making the music. It's like I'm the vessel and somebody's controlling what I do, I just happen to be the one that gets the praise for it\".\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThat modest statement just re-enforces the fact that Omar is simply a one off, a genuinely unique artist. That is a bold claim, but his sound is so immediately identifiable, that you will know you are hearing an Omar track within seconds - and that is the stamp of true originality.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis collection features many of his classic collaborations, from his evergreen worldwide anthem There's Nothing Like This, It's So, the dancefloor destroying banger inspired by the amalgam of sounds Omar heard at The Notting Hill Carnival.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Freestyle","offers":[{"title":"Black | LP | x2","offer_id":50479341896011,"sku":"1136387","price":14.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/cover.ki_10_34e1004f_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1727507497"},{"product_id":"this-is-not-a-love-song-3","title":"This is Not a Love Song","description":"\u003cp\u003eOmar, a UK soul artist with diverse heritage, has been creating music since the early 1990s. His fourth studio album, \u003ci\u003eThis Is Not A Love Song\u003c\/i\u003e (1997), draws comparisons to Stevie Wonder's 1970s work. It includes a cover of The Stranglers' \"Golden Brown\" and the single \"Say Nothin'\" featuring Ol' Dirty Bastard from Wu-Tang Clan, both of which charted in the UK.   \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Music On Vinyl","offers":[{"title":"LP","offer_id":50483997376843,"sku":"2029399","price":14.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/This_Is_Not_a_Love_Song_2875d7ec_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1727578368"},{"product_id":"lovey-dovey-original-version-this-thing-called-life-instrumental","title":"Lovey Dovey (Original Version) \/ This Thing Called Life (Instrumental)","description":"\u003cp\u003eImpressive Collective \u0026amp; BBE Music announce an exclusive vinyl 45 single by Omar Lyefook MBE to celebrate signing the legendary UK soul star. This new partnership continues Omar's long standing collaboration with Impressive Collective’s Greg Boraman, which began in 2013 on Freestyle Records with the critically acclaimed 'The Man' album and continued with 'Love In Beats' and 'The Omar Anthology'. To mark this auspicious news, we proudly announce the release of this limited-edition vinyl single featuring 2 tracks that is only available on this exclusive 45. A side - 'Lovey Dovey' is box fresh but also classic Omar, and features his trademark assured vocal delivery over a bumping rhythm and synths provided by The Scratch Professor. The flip 'This Thing Called Life' is an opulent and epic instrumental piece, featuring swooping cinematic strings, over a funk laden arrangement that is part film soundtrack, part dancefloor filler.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Impressive Collective","offers":[{"title":"Black 7\"","offer_id":50992100245835,"sku":"2236826","price":19.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/test_53cdf2b3_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1734610815"},{"product_id":"brighter-the-days-ab","title":"Brighter The Days","description":"\u003cp\u003eImpressive Collective \u0026amp; BBE Music announce \u003cem\u003eBrighter The Days\u003c\/em\u003e – the 9th studio album by Omar - the world renowned UK soul star. This new album continues Omar's long-standing collaboration with Impressive Collective’s Greg Boraman, which began in 2013 on Freestyle Records with the critically acclaimed \u003cem\u003eThe Man\u003c\/em\u003e album and continued with \u003cem\u003eLove In Beats\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eThe Omar Anthology\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOmar Lyefook MBE, singer, composer, and multi-instrumentalist, solidifies his legendary status with his latest album, \u003cem\u003eBrighter The Days\u003c\/em\u003e. Over three decades, he has been a defining force in modern Black music, crafting a sound that seamlessly blends soul, funk, jazz, salsa, dub, and hip-hop, with roots in classical music. As he puts it, “Each album is an evolution, if you will. But I’d like to think this is my magnum opus.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dynamic collection, \u003cem\u003eBrighter The Days\u003c\/em\u003e builds upon Omar’s distinctive style with fresh inspiration. His warm, unmistakable voice—tinged with the richness of his Caribbean heritage—is complemented by lush arrangements. Organic drums, bass, brass, keys, and guitars meet the mechanical edge of samples and beats, creating a soundscape that is both timeless and innovative.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Impressive Collective","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":51814162268491,"sku":"R7377-1665","price":17.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"2LP - Black","offer_id":51814162301259,"sku":"R7377-6374","price":37.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/2000x2000bb_ab6761cd-34a7-4e34-af62-e3eb64d546ef.jpg?v=1747211196"},{"product_id":"brighter-the-days-the-remixes-dx","title":"Brighter The Days - The Remixes","description":"\u003cp\u003eImpressive Collective and BBE Music present Brighter The Days - The Remixes, a new collection built around Omar's epic 9th studio album. The past year has seen Omar on particularly strong form, including two sold-out US tours, standout appearances on NPR’s 'Tiny Desk', BBC TV’s 'Later with Jools Holland' and Channel 4’s 'Sunday Brunch', whilst his guest appearances with various social media stars including DJ AG Online and collaboration with Donae’O on the viral hit 'Nights Like This' resulting in a growing younger audience. This collection draws together extraordinary reinterpretations from the Brighter The Days album, from a dream ticket of legendary and forward-thinking producers; namely Kenny Dope, Joe Claussell, DJ Spinna, Illa J and Super D \u0026amp; Maestro. Of Kenny Dope’s remix of “Lovey Dovey” (with Raheem DeVaughn and Eric Roberson), Omar says that “you can definitely see people locking and popping to that one!”, while he describes Joe Claussell’s two versions of “There’s Much Love In The World” as “simply epic”. Alongside Illa J’s rework of “Love Is Like” featuring India.Arie and Super D \u0026amp; Maestro’s remix of “I’ve Been Waiting”, the collection is a landmark extension of Omar's magnum opus long player.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Impressive Collective","offers":[{"title":"2x12\" - Black","offer_id":57509060542795,"sku":"R6883-0191","price":32.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/2000x2000bb_06e3fe75-86fd-4d9d-a39d-44abe85e527a.jpg?v=1780582522"}],"url":"https:\/\/shop.roughtrade.com\/de\/collections\/omar.oembed","provider":"Rough Trade","version":"1.0","type":"link"}