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-AfrobeatJACK DEJONETTE AND BILL FRISELL
The Elephant Sleeps But Still Remembers
BELA FLECK AND CHICK COREA
The Enchantment
Various Artists
European Jazz Stage (Radio Netherlands Worldwide)
KURT ELLING
Nightmoves
Club D'Elf
Now I Understand
WAX POETIC
Copenhagen
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