Semuta

Semuta was an English Latin-jazz/rock band that released a 1979 self-titled album on Lee Lambert Records.

Members: Ian Ballantine (vibraphone, marimba), Alan Cook (piano, electric piano), Dave Tyas (drums), Frank Dawkins (bass, guitar), Dave Bartle (tenor saxophone), Sergio Castillo (percussion)

Background

Semuta emerged on the northern English jazz circuit in the late 1970s under vibraphonist–marimbist Ian Ballantine, then a student at Leeds College of Music. Pianist–composer Alan Cook and drummer Dave Tyas rounded the working core, which joined the northern groups presented through the Northern Jazz Centre Society at Band on the Wall in Manchester.

Producer Howard Lambert signed Semuta to his newly established Lee Lambert Records operation. For the studio lineup, Semuta added bassist–guitarist Frank Dawkins, tenor saxophonist Dave Bartle, and auxiliary Cuban percussionist Sergio Castillo, a fellow Leeds College attendee and recent Gary Boyle sideman.

• Semuta (1979)