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 10/2008

    BELINDA UNDERWOOD
    - GREENSPACE

  • reviewed 10/2015

    Tia Brazda
    Bandshell

  • reviewed 02/2008

    BEN ALLISON AND MAN SIZE SAFE
    Little Things Run the World

  • reviewed 05/2009

    BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY
    HOW BIG CAN YOU GET ?

  • reviewed 11/2003

    MeShell NdegeOcello
    Comfort Woman

  • reviewed 11/2011

    WYNTON MARSALIS
    SELECTIONS FROM SWINGING INTO THE 21'ST

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.