Spirits Known and Unknown — Leon Thomas

Imagine a late-night séance where the spirits are channeled not through a medium, but through the singular voice of Leon Thomas.

This album is a deep dive into the uncharted territories of jazz vocals, where traditional scat meets ancient yodels and raw, soulful power. It feels both ancient and futuristic, a challenging yet ultimately rewarding listen that will expand your understanding of what the human voice can achieve in a jazz context. It's for those who seek musical experiences that defy easy categorization and resonate with a profound, almost spiritual intensity.

Tracklist · 7 Tracks

The Creator Has a Master Plan (Peace)

One

Echoes

Song for My Father

Damn Nam (Ain’t Goin’ to Vietnam)

Malcolm’s Gone

Let the Rain Fall on Me

Moments Worth Listening For

The sudden, unexpected shifts into Thomas's signature yodel, transforming a conventional melody into something otherworldly.

Moments where Thomas's percussive vocalizations intertwine with the actual drum and bass lines, blurring the lines between voice and rhythm section.

The extended instrumental passages that build a dense, modal atmosphere before Thomas's voice re-enters with renewed intensity.

The raw, unadorned power of his glottal-stop delivery on certain phrases, conveying profound emotional depth.

Where This Album Departs

How does Spirits Known and Unknown sound next to the rest of Leon Thomas's catalogue?

Baritone+2.8σ

The vocals lean far further into baritone than the rest of the catalogue.

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