Motema

2010-02-19
Thejazzpage.com Review by Glenn Daniels
not only a wonderful tribute to a great artist, but a tremendous work in its own right.

Babatunde Lea
Umbo Weti
(Motema Music)

Legendary vocalist and composer Leon Thomas, perhaps best known for his collaborations with the great Pharoah Sanders on "The Creator Has A Masterplan", is the inspiration for percussionist and drummer Babatunde Lea's latest musical effort. Lea's connection to Thomas goes back to attending the same church while growing up in Englewood, New Jersey. For this beautiful tribute to the spirit and music of Thomas, Lea chose an ensemble of Ernie Watts on saxophone, Gary Brown on bass, Patrice Rushen on piano, and the powerful vocals of Dwight Tribles more than captures the mesmerizing essence of Thomas. Recorded live at Yoshi's in Oakland, California, this 2-CD set is not only a wonderful tribute to a great artist, but a tremendous work in its own right.

By: Glenn Daniels
Thejazzpage.com

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