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 06/2005
Joshua Redman Elastic Band
Momentum
reviewed 11/2013
JAMES BOOKER
CLASSIFIED REMIXED AND EXPANDED
reviewed 01/2006
VARIOUS ARTISTS
Smooth Chill
reviewed 04/2008
BOBBY WATSON AND THE LIVE AND LEARN BAND
Fronm The Heart
reviewed 10/2006
FREDDIE CRUGER AKA RED ASTAIRE
Soul Search
reviewed 05/2009
Branford Marsallis
Metamorphosen

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.