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 01/2006
BURT BACHARACH
At ThisTime
reviewed 12/2013
Mike Longo And The New York State Of The Art Jazz Ensemble
Live From New York
reviewed 08/2011
LARRY GOLDINGS
In My Room
reviewed 03/2007
Abram Wilson
Ride! Ferris Wheel To The Modern Day Delta
reviewed 06/2017
Angie Wells & Raphael Lemonnier
Love And Mischief
reviewed 10/2008
BELINDA UNDERWOOD
- GREENSPACE

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.