Leon

Leon Parker continues to be one of the true originals of the day. Though it's doubtful if his spare less-is-more approach to the drum kit will be widely influential-it's likely to remain his exclusive territory-Parker's effectiveness is certain to give pause to aspiring drummers who take note; and it's liable to give drum manufacturers the shakes along the way. Declaring himself solely a percussionist, Parker has shed the perceived encumbrances of the full drum kit. To shape and round his muse here he employs the additional percussion of Adam Cruz and regular bandmate Natalie Cushman, who join the leader at the heart of this date. They are surrounded by bassist Ugonna Okegwo, and on several tracks the saxophones of regular bandmate Steve Wilson, plus Steve Davis' trombone, and Tom Harrell's trumpet and fluegelhorn. Further percussive color is lent by berimbau, marimba, and steel pan.

This must be the most underrated album ever made – by ANYONE – let alone Leon. Vocals, great! guitars, great! drums/percussion great! lyrics, right there!!…………..all enveloped in a rich dark chocolate bass that oozes thru the album complete…

LEON HAYWOOD, who hailed from Houston, Texas, was a singer, songwriter , producer and pianist who is arguably best known in the USA for his crossover 1975 hit ‘I Want'a Do Something Freaky To You’ which has been sampled a multitude of times, most notably on Dr. Dre's ‘Nuthin' But A G Thang.’ Haywood had a long and varied career which included accompanying Guitar Slim on piano when he was still in his teens, as well as joining Sam Cooke's band as keyboardist until the singer passed away. During the 60's he released his own instrumental sides and singles as well as playing on R&B hits for short lived outfits such as The Packers and The Romeos. This period culminated in his first solo R&B hit ‘It's Got To Be Mellow’ which peaked at #21 in 1967 on Decca Records.

Tania León - Indígena, Parajota Delaté, Rituál, A la Par, Batéy (1994)
Classical | EAC: FLAC+Cue+Log | 1 Cd, Covers | 203 Mb
Label: CRI - Date: 1994

Tania León (born May 14, 1943 in Havana, Cuba) is a Cuban composer and conductor who has been recognized as an educator and advisor to arts organizations. In 1998 she was awarded the New York Governor’s Lifetime Achievement Award. She has received Honorary Doctorates from Colgate University and Oberlin College and awards from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, National Endowment for the Arts, Chamber Music America, NYSCA, Lila Wallace/Reader’s Digest Fund, ASCAP and Koussevitzky Foundation, among others. In 1998 she held the Fromm Residency at the American Academy in Rome.