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 04/2008

    Stanton Moore Trio
    Emphasis (on Parenthesis)

  • reviewed 07/2007

    BILLY BANG QUINTET FEATURING FRANK LOWE
    Above & Beyond: Live in Grand Rapids

  • reviewed 10/2008

    SAXOPHONE SUMMIT-(Michael Brecker, Dave Liebman and Joe Lovano)
    SAXOPHONE SUMMIT

  • reviewed 02/2008

    GIACOMO GATES
    Luminosity

  • reviewed 06/2005

    Ted Nash & Odeon
    La Espada de La Noche

  • reviewed 11/2004

    The Yohimbe Brothers
    The Tao of Yo

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.