Omar Sosa & Seckou Keita - Transparent Water (2017)

Transparent Water is the new studio collaboration between seven-time GRAMMY-nominated pianist-composer-bandleader Omar Sosa, from Cuba, and UK-based Senegalese kora master and singer Seckou Keita - arguably the most influential and inspiring kora player of his generation, an exceptional and charismatic musician Sosa's work with Keita enhances the already fascinating discographies of both artists. With the help of several other cosmopolitan artists, the two musicians have put together an innovative album on which freedom and improvisation are the keys to a profoundly spiritual brand of music. Full of serenity and a sense of gentle elation, it also comes across as an antidote to the turmoil of the world. Transparent Water came about after a series of chance musical encounters, beginning in 2012 in London, when Sosa first heard Keita play. In the ensuing months and years Sosa invited a cast of renowned musicians to join the project - Chinese sheng player Wu Tong, Japanese koto player Mieko Miyazaki, Korean geomungo player E'joung-Ju and Sosa's trusted companion the Venuezuelan master percussionist Gustavo Ovalles. The recording was helmed in the studio by UK jazz great Steve Arguelles. Seckou Keita has achieved notable critical and commercial success in the UK with his multi-award winning duo record with Welsh harpist Catrin Finch, Clychau Dibon, and it's solo follow-up, 22 Strings. With the help of an extensive press and PR campaign, Transparent Water is poised to replicate this success, with the band due to tour the UK later in the year.