47 Uma

47UMa

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 5, 2002)
• Original Release Date: February 5, 2002
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: MEGAWAVE RECORDS
• ASIN: B000062TTV
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #723,631 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

About the Artist
Gail Baker’s credits include 1980 Detroit Free Press and Detroit jazz radio favorite "Live at Chaps-on-Main", 1983 hit "What If Thinking", and a 1997 Silent Radio retrospective on the MEGAWAVE label. Mike Friedman is a long-standing Detroit area session and soundtrack drummer. Both Baker and Friedman have toured nationally with different groups over the years. Steve Rouse likewise has appeared regularly at Detroit venues throughout his career. Multi-genre guitar talent Jake Reichbart, an international talent and active session player, has been a member of Lunar Octet and Five Guys Named Moe.

Product Description
This is the debut CD by Detroit area world beat band, 47UMa, fronted by past Billboard Magazine pick-hit vocalist Gail Baker. The band is named after the star 47 Ursae Majoris b, located near the Big Dipper and speculated to support life on its nearby planets. This star was discovered in 1996, about the same time that Baker and percussionist Mike Friedman started talking about forming a band. They chose 47UMa during their search for a name that would that would globally connect with a world rhythm and attract life. This release captures the performances by Baker, Friedman, bassist Steve Rouse, and special guest lead and rhythm guitarist Jake Reichbart.

47UMa plays rockin’ dance music, with reggae, ska, soca, samba, African, blues, New Orleans, and rock-n-roll influences. The band’s original songs are upbeat and inspired by personal experiences and world images. This thirteen-song, fifty-two minute release was produced by John Palmer and Gail Baker, recorded and mixed at Megawave Studio One in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and mastered by Jeffrey Campo at Soweto Productions near Detroit.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Geoff Wilbur's Renegade Newsletter, April 16, 2002

By A Customer

Gail Baker's vocals soar, supported by more-than-amply-happy music from the rhythm section of Mike Friedman and Steve Rouse. Sometimes the music is folky, at other times with more of an island beat. 'African Dream' adds a little safari rhythm, and 'This Small Town' features bluesy guitarwork. Clearly, 47UMa takes the term 'world music' seriously. Well, maybe not 'seriously,' as this disc overflows with energy and fun. This group has an ideal sound and personality for summer festivals.

4.0 out of 5 stars upbeat, energetic world music, April 23, 2002

By A Customer

This CD is a refreshing recording with plenty of positive, upbeat, energetic songs. Any fan of reggae or Caribbean music will love this CD. The lush vocals work perfectly with the uplifting guitar lines and grooving rhytms. The song Wheel of Life is a catchy tune with memorable lyrics that are fun to sing along to. African Dream introduces rhythms with African origins and talks about a world of peace and harmony where cultures come together in a spirit of sharing and cooperation. And my favorite tune, Karibuni, has a beautiful subtlety with its smooth, dreamy soundscape. The music reminds me at times of Bob Marley meets Kate Bush. Highly recommended!!

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars World Music at its Best!, February 22, 2002

By A Customer

I just got this album, and I can't stop listening to it! Filled with a fusion of Reggae, top-notch vocals, great percussion and other great ingredients... this up-beat ablbum puts you in a good mood no matter what! If you're looking for music to make you feel great... BUY THIS ALBUM!!!