McCoy Tyner – Sama Layuca

AllMusic Review by Scott Yanow

Pianist McCoy Tyner is heard at the height of his powers throughout this rewarding set. He contributed all five compositions and has a colorful and diverse group of major players at his disposal to interpret them: vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson, altoist Gary Bartz, Azar Lawrence on tenor and soprano, John Stubblefield doubling on oboe and flute, bassist Buster Williams, drummer Billy Hart and both Mtume and Guillerme Franco on percussion. The results (which include a brief Tyner-Hutcherson duet on "Above the Rainbow") are quite rewarding and serve as a strong example of McCoy Tyner's music.

A1 Sama Layuca A2 Above The Rainbow 8:38 A3 La Cubaña 11:41 B1 Desert Cry 22:07 B2 Paradox 27:05 McCoy Tyner (p) John Stubblefield (oboe, fl) Gary Bartz (as) Azar Lawrence (ss, ts) Bobby Hutcherson (vb) Buster Williams (b) Billy Hart (dr) Guilherme Franco (perc) Mtume (perc)

Recorded
Generation Sound Studios
March 26–28, 1974
Milestone Records