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 10/2014
NEW ORLEANS SUSPECTS
OUROBOROS
reviewed 07/2017
Sounds Of April & Randall
S.O.A.R.
reviewed 05/2007
STEVE SWALLOW with ROBERT CREELY
So There
reviewed 10/2009
BRIAN SETZER ORCHESTRA
SONGS FROM LONELY AVENUE
reviewed 05/2008
Bill Frisell
History, Mystery
reviewed 02/2007
JACK DEJONETTE AND BILL FRISELL
The Elephant Sleeps But Still Remembers

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.