Babatunde Lea
Umbo Weti: A Tribute To Leon Thomas
Motema Music
www.motema.com
By George W. Harris

Legendary avant-garde vocalist Leon Thomas, who passed away 10 years
ago, is most famous for his work on Pharoah Sanders’ “Creator Has A
Master Plan.” This concert, which was put together by the renowned
percussionist Babatunde Lea, captures the spirit and feel of Thomas’
musical vision. LA based vocalist Dwight Trible joins with Lea and all
stars Ernie Watts/ts, Gary Brown/b Patrice Rushen/p for a wide ranged
selection of tunes. A powerful “Cousin Mary” fits right along nicely
with John Lee Hooker’s bopping “Boom Boom” while African themed grooves
abound on “African Tapestry.” Trible’s voice is impassioned throughout,
while Watt’s soloing is like fire on dry twigs. The take of “Creator”
as well as Horace Silver’s “Song For My Father” include enthusiastic
performances by all around. Exciting music, and not for the timid.