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
REGINA CARTER
Reverse Thread
reviewed 03/2008
Caribbean Jazz Project
Afro Bop Alliance
reviewed 05/2007
STEVE SWALLOW with ROBERT CREELY
So There
reviewed 06/2005
MeShell Ndegeocello
The Spirit Music Jamia: Dance of the Infidel
reviewed 12/1969
BLUE NEBULA
Relative Dimensions
reviewed 02/2012
THE IAN CAREY QUINTET +1
Roads & Codes

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.