AM 4 – And She Answered

A collection of great tracks from the legendary spiritual / free jazz vocalist Leon Thomas. Thomas is known for his unique ululating singing style which combined scat singing, vocalese techniques from African tradition, and a unique approach to yodeling. He has been referred to as the “John Coltrane of jazz vocalists.” “All those musicians who have opened new frontiers – Louis Armstrong, Charlie Parker, John Coltrane – have shared one characteristic. They had listened to and selectively absorbed all that had preceded them, and it was because each had to secure a foundation that he was able to take the risks that authentic innovation necessitates. With regards to new vocal frontiers – Leon Thomas is this generation’s Magellan. As he has said, ‘So far the horns have been at the forefront in terms of exploring the new dimensions of sound and expression. But no one has been nearly adventurous enough – for this time – with the possibilities of the voice. I feel I’m into that.'”
Recommended – Full Listen
A1 The Creator Has A Masterplan
A2 Welcome To New York
A3 China Doll
A4 Duke’s Place
A5 L.O.V.E.
B1 Dissilusion Blues
B2 Song For My Father
B3 Boom-Boom-Boom
B4 Let The Rain Fall On Me
Bass – Cecil McBee (tracks: A1,B2,B4), Richard Davis (2) (tracks: A2,B2,B4), Ron Carter (tracks: A2,A4,B1)
Design – Haig Adishian
Drums – Pretty Purdie*, Grady Tate (tracks: A2,A4,B1), Roy Haynes (tracks: A1, B2, B4)
Guitar – David Spinozza (tracks: A2,B1), Larry Coryell (tracks: B3)
Liner Notes – Nat Hentoff
Mixed By [Sound Mixer] – Bob Simpson, Reice Hamil*, Tony May
Percussion – Richard Landrum (tracks: A1, B2, B4)
Photography By – Giuseppe Pino
Piano – Earl Hines (tracks: A2,A4,B1), Lonnie Liston Smith (tracks: A1,B4), Neal Creque (tracks: A3,A5,)
Producer – Bob Thiele
Saxophone [Alto] – James Spaulding (tracks: A1,B4), Johnny Hodges (tracks: A2,A4,B1)
Saxophone [Baritone], Organ, Marimba – Pee Wee Ellis (tracks: A3,A5,B3)
Trumpet – Ernie Royal (tracks: A2,A4,B1), Marvin Stamm (tracks: A2,A4,B1), Randy Brecker (tracks: A2,A4,B1), Snooky Young (tracks: A2,A4,B1)
Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Al Grey (tracks: A2,A4,B1)
Vocals, Percussion – Leon Thomas