Reviewed by George Luke

In times past Africa has produced some exceptional horn players. And now to a list that includes the likes of Hugh Masekela, Manu Dibango and the late Fela Kuti, we can add a new name: Isaiah Katumwa. Isaiah is a virtuoso saxophonist who hails from Uganda and he's credited in some circles as being East and Central Africa's finest sax player. More importantly - as far as CR is concerned, anyway - he's a committed believer, and although this album's mostly instrumental, it does feature his take on a few Ugandan gospel and worship songs. It's smooth jazz for the most part; the opening track "Welcome" is on a par with anything Kenny G, Mindi Abair or Najee and their ilk do regularly. Thankfully, though, there's a strong African element to Isaiah's sound which saves him from the "nice but bland" trap other smooth jazz saxophonists fall into all too easily. Witness "Just For U" for instance - a fantastic South African tune, or the closing track, his take on the Ugandan gospel song "Wa Milele" ("Everlasting"). It's not just Isaiah's sax playing that stands out here either; I must also commend the amusingly-monikered Johnny Bash on his terrific guitar work.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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