Somalia (album) explained

Somalia is an album by the American saxophonist Billy Harper.^{[2] [3]} It was released in 1995 on the Evidence label.^{[4] [5]}

Critical reception

The Vancouver Sun determined that "whether by design, osmosis or accident, Harper sounds like Coltrane reincarnate."^[6] The Globe and Mail concluded that "the performances tend to be rather cumbersome, thanks to the efforts of not one, but two drummers, Newman Baker and Horacee Arnold."^[7]

In his review for AllMusic, Scott Yanow stated: "This CD contains some of Billy Harper's finest playing in years".

Track listing

All compositions by Billy Harper.

1. "Somalia" – 13:37
2. "Thy Will Be Done" – 21:56
3. "Quest" – 12:45
4. "Light Within" – 7:59
5. "Quest in 3" – 4:15

Personnel

• Billy Harper – tenor saxophone, cowbell, voice
• Eddie Henderson – trumpet
• Francesca Tanksley – piano
• Louie Spears – bass
• Horacee Arnold, Newman Taylor Baker – drums
• Madeleine Yayodele Nelson – shekere

Notes and References

1. Verna . Paul . Albums — Somalia by Billy Harper . Billboard . Feb 10, 1996 . 108 . 6 . 67.
2. Macnie . Jim . Somalia . DownBeat . May 1996 . 63 . 5 . 51.
3. Web site: Madeleine Yayodele Nelson, 69, Percussion Group’s Founder, Dies. Giovanni. Russonello. September 24, 2018. NYTimes.com.
4. Web site: Right to the Juke Joint: A Personal History of American Music. Patrick B.. Mullen. May 4, 2018. University of Illinois Press. Google Books.
5. http://billyharper.com/ Billy Harper discography
6. News: Andrews . Marke . RECORDINGS . Vancouver Sun . 23 Jan 1996 . C3.
7. News: Miller . Mark . RECORDINGS JAZZ Somalia . The Globe and Mail . 27 Jan 1996 . C5.