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 11/2006

    RASHIED ALI QUINTET
    Judgment Day

  • reviewed 03/2004

    Susan Werner
    I Can't Be New

  • reviewed 07/2007

    FOUR FINGER FIVE
    Enormous Pocket

  • reviewed 09/2008

    MATT BELSANTE
    – Blame it on My Youth

  • reviewed 12/2008

    MIKE FROST PROJECT
    Live

  • reviewed 12/2007

    FALKNER EVANS
    Arc

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.