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 03/2008

    Various Artists
    Monterey Jazz Festival 50th Anniversary All-Stars

  • reviewed 01/2007

    MICROSCOPIC SEPTET
    Surrealistic Swing

  • reviewed 05/2008

    KEITH MARKS
    Foreign Funk

  • reviewed 06/2007

    VARIOUS ARTISTS
    John Pisano’s Guitar Night

  • reviewed 05/2014

    JESSICA WILLIAMS
    With Love

  • reviewed 03/2011

    THE NIGHTCRAWLERS
    Down in the Bottom

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.