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 02/2007

    PAUL MOTIAN BAND
    Garden of Eden

  • reviewed 05/2014

    JESSICA WILLIAMS
    With Love

  • reviewed 09/2008

    Ted Nash & Still Evolved
    – In The Loop

  • reviewed 06/2017

    Angie Wells & Raphael Lemonnier
    Love And Mischief

  • reviewed 01/2008

    SHANNON BRYANT
    Oceano

  • reviewed 07/2007

    BILLIE HOLIDAY
    Remixed & Reimagined

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.