Customer Reviews

Stars to Share

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I first saw samite on t.v. at Christmas time and was so impressed with his music I had to go out and order it the next day. It's one of my all time favorit c.d.s. Everyone that has listened to it wants it. I drive an 18 wheeler across the desert and I can't leave without this disc. It's therapeutic for my soul. The blend of exotic and traditional instruments along with his voice is fantastic. And that's my final answer!

jented

I first heard Samite on Winter Solstice II of Windham Hill. The voice reached out and touched my soul. I play this music and a peace and love descend on me like colors of a warm blanket. He obviously sings from his heart and soul and experience. There is no need to know the meaning of the words. His voice is an instrument. Although purists may be put off by the Windham Hill Touch (a heavy touch) Will Ackerman, Philip Aaberg and Patti Cathcart add more texture to the music. Patti in particular does an outstanding job on Mountains of the Moon. One of my best finds of this year.

I enjoyed the new "Stars to Share" by Samite. His music continues to grow from its African roots. The thing that makes his music different from other artists is its diversity and complexity. One never tires of listening to it. Every Album and every performance shows us a new side of this gifted artist.

Samite is a wonderfully inventive artist and his warmth and humor usually show through on all of his earlier releases. Unfortunately on this CD his distinctive sound gets swallowed up and lost amid all of the electric pianos, guitars and synthesizers. I only hope being on a bigger label will expose him to a wider audience and they will be drawn to buy those wonderful, unassuming first recordings that give one a truer idea of what African music and this wonderful artist are all about ...

At first listen this pretty and soul enriching album is soothing and filled with lullabies. But each time I play Samite's Stars to Share I discover new sounds and complexities. For a listenner addicted to the raw guitar sounds of Mali (for example Habib Koite and the regal Ali Farka Toure) this more polished "Windam Hill," Africa-Merican album, (by a Ugandan who now calls the U.S. his home,) is a welcome surprise. I have done many sessions of Yoga and meditation to these heartfelt and well-composed tunes. I highly recommend it as a gift to a young child, or for anyone looking to open up to other worlds of music. Africa is, afterall, where it all began. Why not go back, if only through music, once in awhile? No world music collection is complete without it. (Great bass playing and backup vocals by guests!)

This lastest Samite recording shows an artist who is evolving and refining his craft. To compare his earlier music to this CD is like comparing a street performer to a polished stage act. Kudos to Windham Hill for taking a raw gem and polishing it so that it can shine brightly! The music is fresh and raw, yet refined.

A pleasurable listening experience. Different yet intriguing. The captivating vocals by Happy Rhodes are not to be missed. Stars to Share was performed masterfully. Windham Hill deserves much credit for this collaboration of talent.

Samite brings out the warmth in music and draws you and drowns you in sweet, beautiful sounds. He is a legend. Great album!

This is not your usual Windham Hill fare. Samite provides a fine, soft vocal approach with truly interesting and full-textured music--not fast, not loud, yet melodic and wonderful to listen to again and again.