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 02/2017
Azar Lawrence & Al Mclean
Frontiers
reviewed 06/2010
ALICIA MENNINGA
Renewal
reviewed 07/2006
LISA KARP
Fucsia Blues w/ Dr. John
reviewed 04/2008
Raya Yarbrough
Raya Yarbrough
reviewed 04/2012
DON BRADEN & KARL LATHAM
Big Fun(k) Live
reviewed 01/2007
DON BYRON
“Do the Boomerang,” the Music of Junior Walker

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.