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 05/2006
Edye Evan Hyde
A Lady With A Song
reviewed 02/2017
Tyler Reese
Reminiscence
reviewed 03/2014
FOG
TRI Sessions Vol. 1
reviewed 06/2010
VARIOUS ARTISTS
Next Stop...Soweto, Vol. 3: Giants, Ministers and Makers -- Jazz in South Aftrica 1963-1984
reviewed 10/2013
OUTER BRIDGE ENSEMBLE
Determined
reviewed 05/2015
Aaron Goldberg
The Now

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.