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 10/2014
NEW ORLEANS SUSPECTS
OUROBOROS
reviewed 11/2016
Brian Marsella's Imaginarium
The Clocks Have Gone Mad
reviewed 07/2012
DAFNIS PRIETO PROVERB TRIO
Dafnis Prieto Proverb Trio
reviewed 09/2007
JOE HENRY
Civilians
reviewed 02/2014
JOHN CLAYTON
PARLOR SERIES
reviewed 10/2004
The Lynne Arriale Trio
Come Together

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.