Metamorphosis ∞ by Yusef Lateef

"Listen to a transformation of the norm during the postembrionic growth of an art form."
- Yusef Lateef

"Dr. Yusef Lateef may have great and valid objections to the usage of the term "jazz" when it comes to discussing his music. The common vernacular, however, has no terminology for being able to assimilate the music his gorgeous signature creates. Metamorphosis is particularly difficult in terms of terminology because other American musical genres scream out for inclusion in his tomes, such as funk, soul, R&B, and, of course, the blues. But for the sake of honoring Dr. Lateef's music and wishes for it, we will refrain from using those terms to describe the music on Metamorphosis, which is an integrational, even visionary, elongation of the path of American Black music as it enters into dialogue rhythmically, melodically, and harmonically with the great traditions of the East and of Africa in particular. This is one of the finer efforts on Dr. Lateef's label. We can only hope for many more like it."
- Thom Jurek, allmusic.com

Yusef Lateef was a Grammy Award-winning composer, performer, recording artist, author, visual artist, educator and philosopher who was a major force on the international musical scene for more than six decades.

He was named an American Jazz Master in the year 2010 by the National Endowment for the Arts.

Until his passing on December 23, 2013 at age 93, Yusef remained a vital and active artist.

yuseflateef.com