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 06/2011
PAT METHENY
WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT
reviewed 10/2011
BILL FRISELL
All We Are Saying...
reviewed 10/2012
PETE ESCOVEDO
LIVE FROM STERN GROVE
reviewed 02/2014
ANTON SCHWARTZ
FlashMob
reviewed 11/2007
VARIOUS ARTISTS
Live at the Monterey Jazz Festival, Highlights, Volume 1
reviewed 04/2008
JAKE BERGEVIN
Holding Back the Dawn

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.