Traditional jazz and folkloric latin rhythms find intense interplay on this percussionist led production. Total time = 1:04:37 (hh:mm:ss).
For his debut Ubiquity Jazz album, "March of The Jazz Guerrillas", Babatunde assembled a heavyweight list of guests to make his point. Hilton Ruiz plays piano--Ruiz appeared on Babatunde's 1996 recording, "Level of Intent". Alex Blake is on bass--Babatunde and Blake play together in Pharaoh Sanders' band. Two master percussionists, Bill Summers and Munyungo Jackson, join Babatunde to add rhythmic layers to the mix; and talented West Coast saxophonist and vocalist Richard Howell rounds out the sound.
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This exciting set by percussionist Babatunde Lea ranges from Afro-Cuban jazz to interplay by the three horn players that is reminiscent of Charles Mingus' bands. There is no letup in the intensity and passion, even on slower numbers, and the use of repetition is inspired, never outlasting its welcome. Pianist Hilton Ruiz, trumpeter Kahlil Shaheed, and trombonist Angela Wellman all have their spots, but tenor saxophonist Richard Howell takes honors among the sidemen, not just for his solos but for his vocalizing on a few numbers, particularly "The Creator Has a Master Plan" and "Nature Boy." The stirring ensembles and heated rhythms make this a particularly memorable outing that is highly recommended. -- Scott Yanow All Music Guide
