Spirits Known and Unknown , subtitled New Vocal Frontiers, is the debut album by American jazz vocalist and percussionist Leon Thomas recorded in 1969 and released by the Flying Dutchman label.[1][2][3][4]
Reception
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |   [5] |
| Christgau's Record Guide | B+[6] |
AllMusic reviewer Thom Jurek stated: "Leon Thomas' debut solo recording after his tenure with Pharoah Sanders is a fine one. ... Thomas' patented yodel is in fine shape here, displayed alongside his singular lyric style and scat singing trademark... Ultimately, this is among Thomas' finest moments on vinyl, proving his versatility and accessibility to an audience who, for too long already, had associated him too closely with the avant-garde and free jazz".[5] Critic Robert Christgau said "The subtitle, "New Vocal Frontiers," is accurate. Thomas is the only really interesting jazz singer to have appeared in a very long time. He even yodels".[6]
Track listing
All compositions by Leon Thomas except where noted
- "The Creator Has a Master Plan (Peace)" (Thomas, Pharoah Sanders) − 4:23
- "One" − 3:07
- "Echoes" − 5:38
- "Song for My Father" (Horace Silver) − 5:17
- "Damn Nam (Ain't Goin' to Vietnam)" − 4:42
- "Malcolm's Gone" (Thomas, Sanders) − 8:35
- "Let the Rain Fall On Me" (Aaron Bell, Carla Huston) − 5:24
Personnel
- Leon Thomas − vocals, percussion
- James Spaulding − alto saxophone
- Little Rock (pseudonym for Pharoah Sanders) - tenor saxophone
- Lonnie Liston Smith - piano
- Cecil McBee, Richard Davis - bass
- Roy Haynes - drums
- Richard Landrum − bongos
References
- ^ Jazzlists: Flying Dutchman 10100 series discography, accessed November 18, 2019
- ^ Both Sides Now: Flying Dutchman Label Discography, accessed November 18, 2019
- ^ Leon Thomas Select Discography 1: Recordings as a Leader, accessed November 18, 2019
- ^ Ace Records: album details, accessed November 18, 2019
- ^ a b Jurek, Thom. Leon Thomas: Spirits Known and Unknown – Review at AllMusic. Retrieved November 13, 2018.
- ^ a b Christgau, Robert (1981). "Consumer Guide '70s: T". Christgau's Record Guide: Rock Albums of the Seventies. Ticknor & Fields. ISBN 089919026X. Retrieved March 16, 2019 – via robertchristgau.com.