TITLE: "Umbo Weti: A Tribute to Leon Thomas" (Motema)

ARTIST: Babatunde Lea

STARS: 4 Out Of 5 Stars

SOUNDS LIKE: Spiritual and progressive with world beat influences

The late jazz vocalist Leon Thomas had a distinct baritone that he often used in fairly unconventional ways at times. For one, he yodeled, which was unheard of in jazz singing. But more often he brought a down to earth gospel like spirituality to even the most inventive of compositions like the avant garde free jazz music of Pharaoh Sanders.

Thomas died of heart failure in 1999 taking with him one of the most distinctive voices in jazz. In honor of the inventive singer, percussionist Babatunde Lea releases "Umbo Weti: A Tribute to Leon Thomas."

This two CD set, with an enhanced video on one track, amazingly channels Thomas' spirit. It add that same spirituality to compositions like John Lee Hooker's "Boom Boom" and his signature tune Pharaoh Sander's "Creator Has a Master Plan."

Here, "Boom Boom" retains the bluesy fun of the original but adds a rousing jazz flair.

John Coltrane's "Cousin Mary" is a perfect example of how Thomas could add a solid foundation to even the most inventive of most bebop creations.

"Creator Has a Master Plan" is as dreamily beautiful as the original.

All ten songs are creative standouts but a favorite is Horace Silver's "Song for my Father." Many have heard the instrumental version of Silver's famous tune but here it is complete with lyrics and slowed down to a prayerful place.

Overall, "Umbo Weti" has a 70s tribal otherworldly feel to that sort of reminds you of the more accessible works of Pharaoh Sanders, Sun Ra and Gary Bartz.

Saxophonist Ernie Watts bassist Gary Brown and pianist Patrice Rushen join Lea who plays both drums and percussion on this highly entertaining set. Vocalist Dwight Trible voice sounds eerily similar to Thomas, even down to the yodeling.

"Umbo Weti" is both spiritual and entertaining.