(OZmosis Records)

Eight years in the making, We Are One ,the new effort from drummer-extraordinaire Omar Hakim takes the listener on a fantastic multi-layered journey. The music blends elements fusion, rock, jazz and blues influences. The set ranges from hard grooves to very contemplative numbers. Hakim assembles a substantial lineup of talent for this effort, including guitarist Chieli Minnuci and Jimi Tunnell, bassist Jerry Brooks, harmonica player Gregoire Maret, saxophonist Bob Francheschini, vocalist Angel Rogers and keyboardists Rachel Z and Scott Tibbs. Hakim, who  wrote or co-wrote all of the tunes with Tibbs, and even contributes a bit of vocal work, drew from his own spiritual walk for much of the compositional inspiration. The result is an outstanding work of depth and artistry.