Somi's third album, If The Rains Come First, 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 is set for release on October 27th on Obliqsound. "The songs on this album reflect where I am emotionally and spiritually today," Somi says. "At the end of the day, I still know who I am and where home is before, during, and after the rain - it's in the music."

Optimism, conviction and resilience are hallmarks of Somi's new creations. "Prayer To the Saint of the Brokenhearted," reflects on the sense of helplessness and hopelessness one often feels after heartache, while serving as a reminder of the possibilities of faith and renewal. "Enganjyani," which means 'most beloved' in Rutooro, refers to, "the memory of whispered prayer and being haunted by a past lover." The track features the legendary Hugh Masekela, a longtime Somi fan who has become a mentor, guesting on trumpet. "Rising," a song about faith and navigating life's challenges, is all 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."

Digital exclusive of the album to be released October 13.

Download & Tour Dates After the Jump

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In support of the Knitting Factory Records re-launch of Fela Kuti’s music catalogue, as well as the debut of the FELA! show on Broadway, Giant Step has organized official Felabration events in more than 15 cities across North America throughout the month of October; this outstanding schedule of Felabrations will bring together some of the best DJs, musicians, and promoters around to celebrate the life, music, and birthday of Fela Anikulapo Kuti (October 15, 1938 - August 2, 1997). With the support of esteemed DJs such as Rich Medina, DJ Spinna, Ron Trent, DJ Nu-Mark, DJ Day, Jeremy Sole, DJ Kemit, J-Justice, Adam Gibbons, DJ Sun, Chicken George and Frank Gossner, as well as artists such as Roy Ayers, WUNMI, Ikebe Shakdown, Baba Ola Jagun, Amon, and many more, these events will bring together the diverse communities and tastemakers across the country who are instrumental in keeping Fela's music alive.

Full Schedule of Felabrations 2009

Download "Zombie" [mp3] (right-click to download)

More info on Fela Kuti
Stream tracks from The Best Of The Black President CD+DVD

Last Monday was a return to form with King Britt rocking the decks at Hudson.  Up next we have Joe Claussell on Monday 10/19.

Munich’s Jazz & Milk Recordings has come up with another dancefloor smasher in Jazz & Milk Breaks Compilation Series Vol 2 of its compilation series. Brilliant international producers and musicians from Barcelona, London, Tokyo, New York, Warsaw, San Sebastian and Munich joined the project and left their individual and often exotic trademarks on this genre-breaking compilation. Taking in fusions of Jazz, Latin, Afro and Funk with eclectic productions, this is all designed for forward thinking dancefloors and minds.

Labelhead and Jazz & Milk Breaks compiler Dusty remixed the 13-piece afro-funk group, The Boogoos, creating an electrifying mixture of vintage live sounds and heavy beats. Panama-born percussion maestro César Granados and his latin-jazz combo come up with a breathtaking version of Dizzie Gillespie’s classic tune “Manteca.” Envee opens up the floor with his outstanding jazz dance version of Pinnawela’s tune “You Can Dance.” Additional artists on the compilation are The Snip, The Jivers, Greenwood Rhythm Coalition from New York's "Names You Can Trust" imprint, Kan Sano, Saffrolla, Rube and Javi P3z.

Stream tracks & more info

Mick Boogie and Terry Urban Present WILD YOUNG HEARTBREAKERS: The Noisettes Remixed. Download zip file here. The project involves new beats made from Kanye's 808s and Heartbreak, meticulously mashed into songs from UK hitmakers Noisettes. Remixers include Esso, 6th Sense, Apple Juice Kid and more.

Tracklisting after the jump. Thanks to Okayplayer for the link!

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