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 10/2004
Jay Geils, Duke Robillard and Gerry Beaudoin
New Guitar Summit
reviewed 07/2012
DAFNIS PRIETO PROVERB TRIO
Dafnis Prieto Proverb Trio
reviewed 12/2016
Mwalim
Awakened by a Noon Day Sun
reviewed 03/2006
SONDRE LERCHE & THE FACES DOWN QUARTET
Duper Sessions
reviewed 09/2011
JAZZ PISTOLS
Superstring
reviewed 08/2009
CURT RAMM, DAN MORETTI, BILL CUNLIFFE
Foundations

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.