McCoy Tyner’s leap from the flailing Blue Note label to Milestone in 1972 electrified his career. He somehow balanced commercial and critical success while keeping his border-pushing edge intact. Sama Layuca is a propulsive and lush date. It features three percussionists powering the likes of altoist Gary Bartz, tenor player Azar Lawrence, and John Stubblefield (on oboe and flute), all keeping up with the complex harmonies rendered by McCoy and vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson. Their duet on the succinct “Above the Rainbow” is a highlight, but so is the ascendent 16 minute closer “Paradox.”

– Andy Beta