“I look around me and see people who are bored, restless, stagnant,” explains Akram, “and I know they often take ‘secret journeys’ in their mind as they daydream about other places they could be. The lucky ones get to take an actual trip where they escape from the pressures of their lives. They see new places and have uncommon experiences. I like to think the music on my album can serve as the soundtrack for their journey, whether it is a mental or a physical trip. Everyone needs to get away sometime.”
In addition to the title track, “Secret Journey,” all of the tunes were inspired by what might be seen or felt on a special trip. Some of the compositions capture the heritage of Omar’s Afghani ancestors (“Caravan,” “Nomadic Rhapsody,” “Gypsy Spirit”). On such a journey you might see a distant lake-like “Mirage,” a “Shimmering Star” in the night’s blue-black heavens, or a rare but beautiful “Desert Flower.” Omar says “Seven Secrets” was influenced by the ancient architectural “Seven Wonders of the World” like the Great Pyramids, but also references all the lost knowledge of past generations. “I want the music to sound multi-cultural,” explains Akram, “but not be tied to any particular country.”
Often the best trips include romance which is reflected on the new recording with “Run Away With Me,” “Passage of the Heart” (“Love can be quite a journey in itself,” says Omar) and “Whispers in the Moonlight” (“It can be shared intimacies between lovers or the sound of wind-shifting sand in the desert at night”). The album closes with the gentle piano-violin duet “Angel of Hope” because “in today’s world with all the war, famine, pollution and loneliness, everyone needs hope for a better future.”
On his first two albums, he was simply known as Omar, but now he performs under his full name. Meanwhile, his music continues to change and develop. His first album was Opal Fire on Real Music, which went Top 15 on Billboard magazine’s national New Age sales chart, and featured Akram’s piano backed by additional keyboards played by Omar and David Dial. On his second CD, Free as a Bird, Omar again composed all the music, but this time produced half the album and utilized top keyboardist Gregg Karukas to produce the other half. Omar also expanded his sound by bringing in guest musicians including saxophonist Eric Marienthal (The Rippingtons). The recording was ranked the #2 contemporary instrumental album of the year by the prestigious Wind & Wire publication. Now on Secret Journey, Akram and Karukas are working together even closer by co-writing the music which features rich textures and a variety of world-music elements including Latin and Mideast. Omar continues to compose memorable melodies, and has developed a close-knit interplay with the other musicians.
Each of Akram’s collaborators brings a wealth of talent and impressive credentials to the project. Gregg Karukas has a strong smooth jazz background having played with or produced such chart-toppers as The Rippingtons, Peter White, Boney James, Richard Elliot and Dave Koz. Ramon Stagnaro returns on guitar and his credits include Celine Dion, Josh Groban, Kenny G, Andrea Bocelli, Luis Miguel and Alejandro Sanz. Pedro Eustache – once again on flute, duduk and Persian ney – has performed with Yanni, Paul McCartney, James Newton Howard and Andrae Crouch. Violinist Charlie Bisharat is known for playing with Kitaro, John Tesh, Tracy Chapman, Neil Diamond and Stone Temple Pilots. Percussionist Ron Wagner spent nine years with Ottmar Liebert, but also has performed with Stephane Grappelli, Peter Cetera, Richard Searles and Peppino D’Agostino. Also on Secret Journey is special guest acoustic guitarist Ardeshir Farah (on four tunes), best-known for being part of the popular duo Strunz & Farah, but who also has played with Al Stewart, L. Subramaniam and Cyrus Chestnut.
Omar Akram has been influenced by many cultures because he grew up as a world-traveler. He was born in New York City while his father was representing Afghanistan at the United Nations. “I was always fascinated by musical instruments as a child, so when I was six, I began taking piano lessons from a member of the Prague Symphony Orchestra, who was one of the top music teachers in the Czech Republic.” While growing up, Omar went to many symphonies and ballets. His early influences were classical -- first Bach, Mozart and Beethoven, but soon the “Russian School” of Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, Stravinsky and Shastakovich. When Omar was 14 and in Cuba, he got to chat with Fidel Castro at a diplomatic reception. Omar’s curiosity for Cuban culture led him to local clubs where he talked the musicians into letting him sit in and play Cuban music with them which is when he developed a love for Latin rhythms and Latin-styled acoustic guitar sounds.
Omar returned to the United States and was introduced to the international electronic music of Jean Michel Jarre (France), Kitaro (Japan) and Vangelis (Greece) “which got me into synthesizers and electronic music. That shifted everything and I knew I wanted to try that type of music so I started composing.” A few years later Akram heard piano soloists such as George Winston and David Lanz which brought him back to the piano. But Omar has far-ranging musical tastes and during those formative years he also listened to Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson and Prince. Omar moved to Los Angeles in 1993 and began performing anywhere he could (whether it was solo piano gigs or in bars with Top 40 cover bands). He continued to travel, not only throughout the United States, but regularly to England and France too.
Akram kept composing original music, but a turning point came when he met Dr. E. Mike Vasilomanolakis, who became his executive producer and encouraged him to begin recording. This material led to Omar’s signing with Real Music. In addition to his studio recordings, Akram also performs concerts. At the International Book Expo in Chicago, esteemed authors Deepak Chopra and Carolyn Myss saw Omar perform and became fans of his music. For the next two years, Myss had Omar return to Chicago every month to perform at her seminars in front of audiences of 500-to-700.
“In a world where communication and understanding between cultures is sometimes difficult, I hope my music can serve as a form of international language that crosses any cultural barriers. Having lived and traveled in many countries, I have come to realize that we need to embrace aspects of each culture that make them unique and special. What some people see as problematical differences, I see as our planet’s entire cultural heritage. With my music, I try to celebrate some of the sounds and feelings I have encountered worldwide. I would like to invite music lovers from all cultures to join me in traveling on this “Secret Journey.”
November 2011 Update: Omar is in the studio with producer Gregg Karukas working on his fourth album. Details coming out soon!
Run Away With Me
Omar Akram Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
cctv新闻的天气预报就是这首乐曲
每当想起这段旋律
脑海中总是会不自觉的想到柔和的夕阳
以及在夕阳照耀下的沙滩
和海面上倒映的落日的余晖
落日是太阳一天中最美的时刻
少了太阳阳光的刺眼，燥热和盛气凌人
海边的落日更显傍晚的美丽
傍晚时伴着微凉的海风
欣赏落日的余晖
内心总是会充满宁静与平和
少了尘世的浮躁与喧嚣
山气日夕佳，飞鸟相与还
陶潜的写这句时想必就是这种平和的心境吧
每当听到这段旋律
总会不禁感到置身大自然的感觉真好
"Run Away with Me" by Omar Akram is a soothing instrumental piece that conjures up images of a peaceful, picturesque sunset at the beach. As the melody begins, it carries with it a dreamlike quality that transports the listener to a tranquil state of mind. The music feels almost like a soundtrack to a lovely memory or a blissful daydream.
As the notes continue to dance and swirl, the listener can imagine the sun setting over the ocean, casting a beautiful glow across the sand and water. The slow, steady tempo of the song perfectly captures the peaceful vibe of the moment. It's almost as if the melody is gently inviting the listener to slow down, take a deep breath, and enjoy the simple beauty of life.
Overall, "Run Away with Me" is a beautiful piece of music that manages to capture the beauty and simplicity of a perfect moment in time. It's the kind of song that encourages the listener to pause for a moment and appreciate the world around them.
Line by Line Meaning
Run Away with Me
The singer wants to escape with someone they care about
The sun sets on my dreams
The end of the day marks a time for reflection on the singer's hopes and aspirations
Every night I rise
The singer continually pursues their goals even after setbacks or failures
Out of darkness into light
The artist wants to move away from negative forces in their life and towards positivity and hope
I'll never fade away
The artist wants to leave a lasting impact on the world and be remembered for their contributions
And I'll never lose my faith
The singer has a strong sense of conviction and belief in themselves and their journey
I'll keep on running running running running running running running running running running
The singer is determined to keep pushing forward towards their goals and not give up
Run away with me
Repetition of the opening line, conveying the artist's desire to escape with someone they care about
Through the night and day
The artist wants to be with this person all the time, no matter the circumstances
Together we'll fly away
The artist and their loved one will experience a sense of freedom and possibility if they go on this journey together
Run away with me
Reiteration of the refrain, emphasizing the singer's urgency and desire to escape with their loved one
Writer(s): Omar M. Akram
Contributed by Aaron R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@fatimaabp8120
I can tell that this piece originated from a very beautiful thought.
@omarakram
Thank you very much!🙏
@MegaLorenaO
It made me cry!! It is so beautful..it's amazing how people feel music! Love it!!!!
@rainc7209
This music was the weather forecast BGM of CCTV about ten years ago in China. Listening to it reminds me of many old memories.
@viralshukla7284
Me and my father love this. It feels amazing listening to it. Literally RAN AWAY WITH YOU.
@AngeloCamassa
Hi Omar, compliments for your beautiful music!
@omarakram
Thanks for listening!
@AngeloCamassa
@@omarakram I would love to write some lyrics on some of your songs!
@412envy
this creative genius would be a major phenomenon if more people hear his masterpieces. everyone who has ever heard me play his music has been instantly mesmerized. how powerful his music is.
@gloriadelgadillo9524
I recently found Omar in a time of my life that I really needed this.