Sama Layuca (album)

Sama Layuca is a studio album by American jazz pianist McCoy Tyner, released in 1974 by Milestone Records. It was recorded on March 26, 27, and 28, 1974, with sidemen John Stubblefield, Gary Bartz, Azar Lawrence, Bobby Hutcherson, Buster Williams, Billy Hart, Guilherme Franco and Mtume.

Critical reception
In a contemporary review, Robert Christgau of The Village Voice gave Sama Layuca a "B+" and wrote that the album's best music "breathes with a lushness and lyricism that never cloys". He found the melodies, harmonies, and polyrhythms to be "sensuous without coming on about it" and felt that Tyner's minor flaws as a pianist, including "Tatumesque flourishes", are "less egregious in an ensemble setting like this one."

In a retrospective review for Allmusic, Scott Yanow gave the album four-and-a-half out of five stars and said that Tyner is "heard at the height of his powers throughout this rewarding set", which serves as "a strong example of McCoy Tyner's music".

Track listing
All songs composed by McCoy Tyner.


 * 1) "Sama Layuca" - 8:37
 * 2) "Above the Rainbow" - 3:02
 * 3) "La Cubaña" - 10:26
 * 4) "Desert Cry" - 4:57
 * 5) "Paradox" - 16:27

Personnel

 * McCoy Tyner: piano
 * John Stubblefield: oboe, flute
 * Gary Bartz: alto saxophone
 * Azar Lawrence: tenor saxophone soprano saxophone
 * Bobby Hutcherson: vibes, marimba
 * Buster Williams: bass
 * Billy Hart: drums
 * Guilherme Franco: percussion
 * James Mtume: percussion