Album Reviews

SOMI

If the Rains Come First

2009-12-18

Ugandan jazz vocalist Somi enlists other African musicians (including famous South African trumpeter Hugh Masekela) to develop a set of jazz-meets-African rhythms that at times brings memories of Paul Simon's "Rhythm of the Saints" or the releases by songstress Sade. Great phrasing, lyrics (bith Ugandan and English) evoking scenes from Africa, yet messages that connect to life here in these United States. "Hot Blue" gets things started in a sultry manner; "Prayer to the Saint" and "Kuzunguka" provide the most upbeat of the tempos. Inventive merger of jazz and world from a young talent. Michael J. 12/09 J-Afrobeat

Quick Links:

all reviews | all jazz reviews

More reviews tagged #Jazz

reviewed 09/2009
LAVAY SMITH & HER RED HOT SKILLET LICKERS
MISS SMITH TO YOU
reviewed 01/2007
MICROSCOPIC SEPTET
Surrealistic Swing
reviewed 06/2016
The Bill Belasco Trio
Three Musicians
reviewed 08/2016
Metalwood
Twenty
reviewed 06/2010
DR. LONNIE SMITH
SPIRAL
reviewed 05/2015
T-Bird And The Breaks
Harmonizum

Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.