If the Rains Come First

Somi | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 27, 2009)
• Original Release Date: 2009
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: OBLIQSOUND
• ASIN: B002MT3CLQ
• Also Available in: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #123,012 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

When Somi was growing up, her mother told her that the rain, ever unpredictable, could be as much a blessing as a challenge. The blessings might come before the rain, or they could come after--it's all in the timing, she said. That notion has stayed with the charismatic singer and songwriter all her life and now provides a metaphorical focus for her third album, If The Rains Come First. The album, which releases on ObliqSound, is a stunning collection of self-penned story-based songs, a meditation on opening ourselves up to life's blessings and challenges much in the way that we accept the rain and all that it brings.

If the Rains Come First builds upon elements that first surfaced on Somi's two previous recordings: the electric soul-jazz of 2003's Eternal Motive (SanaaHouse) and the acoustic, culture-merging elegance of 2007's multilingual Red Soil in My Eyes (World Village/Harmonia Mundi). But her further evolution becomes immediately apparent as If the Rains Come First unfolds. Singing in English and three East African languages, Somi's vocal delivery is subtle yet the power she exerts is enormous.

From the album's opening track, "Hot Blue," Somi's delicate yet pliant vocalizing is matched by the band's flair for establishing a potent groove against a sweet melody line. It is forward motion, a flawless juxtaposition of sizzling rhythm, instantly memorable melody and a vocal style that JazzTimes magazine describes as "the earthy gutsiness of Nina Simone blended with the vocal beauty of Dianne Reeves," All Music Guide calls "hauntingly reverent, intense and utterly captivating," and Vogue simply calls "superb." With an all-star African rhythm section featuring Madou Koné, Herve Samb and Michael Olatuja and a special guest appearance by legendary trumpeter Hugh Masekela on the album, Somi burrows deep into her words and something transcendent emerges.

As her career has taken off, Somi's talents have been called upon for collaborations and live performances with such greats as John Legend, Cassandra Wilson, Mos Def and Paul Simon. Most recently, internationally renowned Israeli singer-songwriter Idan Raichel featured her vocals on his latest album Within My Walls (Cumbancha), on the track "Maisha," which Somi also co-wrote. In addition to her own works, Somi also aims to bring other important cultural gems to light, and has founded a non-profit arts organization, New Africa Live, committed to producing multidisciplinary events that celebrate contemporary African artists.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Nice and relaxing, February 11, 2010

By 

WeHoLancer (California, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: If the Rains Come First (Audio CD)

Somi has an excellent voice and style. I would have given five stars if there was a bit more edge to the music that would have taken it to the next level.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Amazing Live, July 22, 2010

By 

MH "makebelieve" (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: If the Rains Come First (Audio CD)

I went to a free showing of her concert here in Seattle at the Jazz Alley earlier this week. After seeing her perform, I was blown away. She has a wide range of vocals and her voice carries beyond the mountains. She's my new favorite. Soulful music similar to Sade.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Better than the new Sade, February 27, 2010

By 

Reader746 - See all my reviews

This review is from: If the Rains Come First (Audio CD)

This cd is better than "Soldier of Love," the new cd from Sade. Similiar vocals, but a much better result. Somi's cd reminds me of the old Sade with numerous slow yet soulful songs mixed in with a few up-beat funky tracks. There is nothing uninspired or melancholy about this cd, unlike with "Soldier of Love". If you enjoy Adriana Evans, Brigette McWilliams, Sibongile Khumalo, or the old Sade (especially "Promise"), then you will love this cd by Somi.