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:

More reviews tagged #Jazz

  • reviewed 12/2013

    Mike Longo And The New York State Of The Art Jazz Ensemble
    Live From New York

  • reviewed 03/2004

    Susan Werner
    I Can't Be New

  • reviewed 05/2017

    Johanna Sillanpaa
    From This Side

  • reviewed 04/2012

    TODD BISHOP GROUP
    Little Played Little Bird

  • reviewed 05/2007

    STEVE SWALLOW with ROBERT CREELY
    So There

  • reviewed 10/2003

    Kurt Rosenwinkel
    Heartcore

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.