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 06/2010
ALICIA MENNINGA
Renewal
reviewed 01/2011
DON STIERNBERG
SWING 220
reviewed 04/2007
WYNTON MARSALIS
From The Plantation To The Penitentiary
reviewed 02/2007
Matt Wilson’s Arts and Crafts
The Scenic Route
reviewed 02/2010
GRP (GABRIEL RIESCO PROJECT)
Sculptures in Time
reviewed 03/2010
JOHN ELLIS AND DOUBLE-WIDE
Puppet Mischief

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.