Sama Layuca;

Starting in the early '70s, pianist McCoy Tyner put out a series of albums on Milestone, showcasing his commanding style in orchestral settings and establishing his reputation as a leader, moving out from the giant shadow cast by his late mentor, John Coltrane. After the award-winning 1972 Sahara, the albums Atlantis and Enlightenment followed, each built on strong, modal foundations with plenty of percussion and Coltrane-inspired saxophonists. Sama Layuca, recorded in 1974, fits solidly into this mold. The three lengthy modal excursions--"Paradox," "La Cubaña," and "Sama Layuca"--deliver the pile-driving panoramas now associated with Tyner: large and lush, with Gary Bartz on alto and Azar Lawrence on tenor, relentlessly pushed by Tyner and drummer Billy Hart. These primeval and powerful tomes are balanced nicely by "Above the Rainbow," a duet for Tyner and vibist Bobby Hutcherson, and "Desert Cry," featuring the exotic oboe of John Stubblefield, each indicative of Tyner's (and Coltrane's) desire to equate tenderness with strength. --Wally Shoup