Ceremony

Here Cuban-born pianist and composer Omar Sosa leads a quartet joined by the Hamburg, Germany-based NDR Bigband, along with other musicians. Jacques Morelenbaum provides fine arrangements for the compositions, eight of which have appeared in different versions on previous Sosa albums. Morelenbaum’s charts are gorgeous, and the album features both lush textures and layered rhythms. Ceremony draws on the music and ritual of the syncretic, African-rooted religion, Santería, and the album’s opening and closing tracks honor the orisha, or spirit, known as Elegba. (Other orishas are praised on various tracks.) Inspired by his contact with the Black community in Esmeraldas, Ecuador, “Chango en Esmeraldas” includes a rippling alto sax solo, a cool piano statement, and robust horns. “Danzon de Tus Ojos” is elegantly arranged by Morelenbaum, who contributes some nice cello, too. Cello also appears on “Carambaba,” which boasts lovely bass clarinet. On “Yemaya en Agua Larga,” all sorts of textures — from muted brass to slithering winds — enhance the track. This is an album that keeps revealing wonderful details on every new listening.