NEW ORLEANS FESTIVALS - Jazz Fest Features

GLOBAL RHYTHMS - Fredy Omar

Fredy Omar has been in the right place at the right time. Taking advantage of it has propelled him to the top of New Orleans' Latin scene.

"I came here with no money. No band. I didn't speak English," he says. "I went from singing Latin-Andino music in Jackson Square with a group of guys playing pan flute to being the Latin King of Frenchmen Street. Last year, I sang at Mayor Nagin's inauguration."

Omar realized a passion for music through the traditional and popular music of Honduras. He grew up in Tagucigalpa, Honduras, working in his family's bakery, listening to an eccentric uncle's huge record collection and singing romantic ballads.

While singing with a choir, he got a break when half the group missed their cue in a song with alternating parts. Omar quickly filled in the part by himself. He became a featured soloist, including on a 45. Suddenly, he was treated as a recording artist and invited to sing at festivals. He arrived in New Orleans for a musical festival in his early 20s.

"When I came here, being in that creative environment practically changed my life," he says. He realized he could change the way he played Latin music.

"I went to Café Brazil and saw a trio – drums, saxophone and bass – and they did all these jazz standards for three hours. I thought I could put together a six-piece Latin band that can stay true to the rhythm and give an improvisational experience."

He put together Fredy Omar con su Banda and carved out a place in the local music scene. Working on their fourth album, he's mixing traditional styles and creative ideas.

"I play Latin music but now we're exposed to other kinds. Merengue mixed with hip hop. Salsa with rock," he says. "If I want to do a fusion, I do Latin jazz because I think that is more creative."