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 02/2010

    OUT TO LUNCH
    Melvin's Rockpile

  • reviewed 06/2004

    Bela Fleck and Edgar Meyer
    Music for Two

  • reviewed 06/2006

    Christian Mc Bride
    Live At Tonic

  • reviewed 07/2009

    ED PALERMO BIG BAND
    Eddy Loves Frank

  • reviewed 01/2008

    CHARLIE HUNTER AND BOBBY PREVITE/GROUNDTRUTHER
    ALTITUDES

  • reviewed 12/1969

    James Taylor Quartet
    New World

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.