Omar Thomas

Described as "elegant, beautiful, sophisticated, intense, and crystal clear in emotional intent," the music of Omar Thomas continues to move listeners everywhere it is performed. Born to Guyanese parents in Brooklyn, New York in 1984, Omar moved to Boston in 2006 to pursue a Master of Music in Jazz Composition at the New England Conservatory of Music after studying Music Education at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. He is the protégé of lauded composers and educators Ken Schaphorst and Frank Carlberg, and has studied under multiple Grammy-winning composer and bandleader Maria Schneider.

Griot Songs

By Omar Thomas

Label: Omar Thomas Music
Released: 2025
Track listing: The Sun in September; Sail to the Moon; Obeah Woman; Nothing There; Episode d��Azure; The Path; A Touch of Obsidian, a Flash of Scarlet.

Joanie Pallato & Bradley Parker Sparrow, Peter Johnstone, Fareed Haque

by Cheryl K.
July 19, 2025

During this week's two-hour program of Jazz and improvised music, we start off with pianist Sonny Clark (July 21, 1931--January 13, 1963). Then onto selections from new releases by the trio Transcendence, vocalist/composer Joanie Pallatto and pianist/composer Bradley Parker-Sparrow, reed player Dave Liebman, percussionist Adam Rudolph, and drummer Billy Hart, keyboardist Peter Johnstone, guitarist Fareed Hague, ...

Omar Thomas, Mark Masters, Billy Strayhorn

by David Brown
June 19, 2025

This week showcases large band music from composer/arrangers Omar Thomas, Gerry Mulligan and Maria Schneider. Bandleader Mark Masters is next with a pair of new albums. With Sam Rivers 100, Masters honors the centenary of the avant-garde jazz pioneer, while on Dance, Eternal Spirits, Dance! Masters explores the music of spiritual jazz legend Billy Harper. Bird ...

Omar Thomas, Daniele di Bonaventura, Arild Andersen, Joep Van Rhijn & More

by Ludovico Granvassu
May 6, 2025

No matter the format, from duo to large ensemble, depth and introspection are the defining characteristics of the music featured in this playlist.Happy listening!Playlist Ben Allison Mondo Jazz Theme (feat. Ted Nash & Pyeng Threadgill) 0:00 Emma Rawicz, Gwilym Simcock “Optimus Friction" Big Visit (ACT) 0:16 Host talks 8:56 Daniele di Bonaventura, ...

Obeah Woman

April 29, 2025

Album: Griot Songs
By Omar Thomas
Label: Omar Thomas Music
Released: 2025
Duration: 12:08

Ensemble C (Claire Cope), Omar Thomas, and Isaiah Collier

by Jerome Wilson
March 26, 2025

This show features groups such as the Omar Thomas Large Ensemble and Ensemble C led by Claire Cope. It also includes music from Isaiah Collier, Oscar Brown Jr., and Anat Cohen. Playlist Henry Threadgill Sextett “I Can't Wait Till I Get Home" from The Complete Novus & Columbia Recordings of Henry Threadgill & Air ...

Butch Morris, The 3 Cohens, Christophe Irniger's Pilgrim, Sasha Berliner

by Cheryl K.
March 15, 2025

During this week's two-hour program of Jazz and improvised music, selections from releases by conductor Butch Morris, the Kenny Wheeler Legacy ensemble, a single from vocalist Catherine Russell, The 3 Cohens (Anat, Avaishai, and Yuval), Spirits Rejoice, tenor saxophonist Christophe Irniger's Pilgrim, and vibraphonist and composer Sasha Berliner. Playlist Butch Morris “Current Trends in ...

Omar Thomas Large Ensemble: Griot Songs

by Alberto Bazzurro
March 7, 2025

Dopo una lunga gestazione, giunge a noi questo che �� il terzo lavoro del Large Ensemble diretto dal compositore newyorchese Omar Thomas (incisione del maggio 2024), un doppio album ambizioso e di chiaro intento anche didascalico in cui l'orchestra appare eloquentemente come il naturale prolungamento del gesto autoriale, con risultati di notevole impatto, sette brani di ...

Mazolewski, Thomas, Franks, Molley, And More

by Bob Osborne
February 13, 2025

The truly global reach of jazz is demonstrated by this selection of new releases. From large ensembles to duos, and crossing several continents, the variety and vibrancy of the music is on show with some exciting and thought-provoking creations.Playlist Show Intro 00:00 Omar Thomas Large Ensemble “The Path" from Griot Songs (Omar Thomas Music) ...