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 06/2017

    Terence Blanchard
    The Comedian

  • reviewed 07/2006

    LONNIE SMITH
    Jungle Soul

  • reviewed 11/2016

    The Hot Club of San Francisco
    John Paul George & Django

  • reviewed 03/2010

    JOHN ELLIS AND DOUBLE-WIDE
    Puppet Mischief

  • reviewed 07/2006

    PETER KATER
    10 Questions for the Dalai Lama

  • reviewed 01/2006

    HAPPY APPLE
    The Peace Between Our Companies

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.