Sama Layuca cover

Sama Layuca

Released

McCoy Tyner’s leap from the flailing Blue Note label to Milestone in 1972 electrified his career. He somehow balanced commercial and critical success while keeping his border-pushing edge intact. Sama Layuca is a propulsive and lush date. It features three percussionists powering the likes of altoist Gary Bartz, tenor player Azar Lawrence, and John Stubblefield (on oboe and flute), all keeping up with the complex harmonies rendered by McCoy and vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson. Their duet on the succinct “Above the Rainbow” is a highlight, but so is the ascendent 16 minute closer “Paradox.”

Andy Beta

Recommended by

Suggestions
Grand Max cover

Grand Max

Charles Tolliver
Monk's Music cover

Monk's Music

Thelonious Monk Septet
Groove Elation cover

Groove Elation

John Scofield
The Right Touch cover

The Right Touch

Duke Pearson
Life cover

Life

Art Davis
Landmarks cover

Landmarks

Joe Lovano
Manhattan Dialogues cover

Manhattan Dialogues

Phil Markowitz, David Liebman
Home cover

Home

Ken McIntyre
Extensions cover

Extensions

McCoy Tyner
Schizophrenia cover

Schizophrenia

Wayne Shorter
Bottoms Up cover

Bottoms Up

Illinois Jacquet