A jazz colossus and arguably the most important tenor saxophonist, Arkansas-born Farrow Sanders at 82 represents a very lively and active chapter in contemporary music, with a turbulent, exciting career that began his personal recordings in 1964 and became famous. along with the giants of jazz: John Coltrane, Don Cherry, Alice Coltrane and others. His unique sound flourished in the bosom of free, spiritual, avant-garde and ethno-jazz, on a compositional and performing level, giving an unexpected dimension to improvisation due to its limitless possibilities and special polyphonic techniques .

July release of Soul Bank Music double vinyl “Freedom – Celebrating the Music of Pharoah Sanders” by 48-year-old American DJ, musician, composer and demon producer Mark de Clive-Low (acoustic and electric piano, keyboards, effects), four dynamic , super-talented musicians (Theondros Avery – saxophone, Corbin Jones – bass, sousaphone, Tommaso Capellato – drums and Carlos Nino – percussion) and the great, expressive soul and spiritual singer Dwight Triple came to give one of the most inspiring and vibrant records of the year . This is a live recording of a concert at the Blue Whale Club in Los Angeles, in an impeccable production, reminiscent of a studio work, where the explosive band looks at the work of Sanders with a deep respect, creative eye and pays tribute to the musical and spiritual master. who was the catalyst for his influence.

“Promises” (Farrow Sanders, Sam Shepherd) is a charming fusion of jazz, classical and electronic music in one of the most beautiful albums we’ve heard in a while.

Saunders’ versions of his works reflect the contemporary personal view of musicians, original playing, unrestrained fun, wild drive and enthusiasm. A stunning album of performance insight and talent from a band that sparks and sets foot firmly on original compositions while creatively activating their artistic interests. A real feast of music that can be heard in a different way than Sanders excelled in the originals, yet it retains its spirit intact with all its distinctive qualities instilled in a subtle and refreshing electronic approach. Twelve gems selected from Saunders’ discography transform, exerting a magnetic effect on the listener and covering a wide range of timbres, from a raging copper storm to soulful melodic lyrics and mystical inner content: “The Creator Has a Master Plan” and “Colors” from ‘Karma’ ( 1969), “Astral Journeys” and title from “Tembi” (1971), “Upper Egypt” from “Tawhib” (1967), “Memories of Lee Morgan” and “World of Mansions” from “Village of the Pharaohs” (1973), “U You Must Be Freedom” from Journey to the One (1980), “Love is Everywhere” from “Love in Us All” (1974), “Hail Saud”, “Ore-Se-Rere” and the title track from his live album ” Elevation” (1974).

Our report could not miss the latest recording of his sound to date, and indeed in its unprecedented manifestation. It is uniquely embodied in the masterful vinyl record Promises, released in March 2021 on David Byrne’s Luaka Bop label, with the participation of electronic music composer Sam Shepherd (Floating Points), who signs the compositions and plays the piano, hammond, synthesizer, electronics. and acoustic instruments, and Saunders. Accompanied by Shepherd’s layered, beautifully orchestrated sound and the fluid lyricism of the London Symphony Orchestra’s strings, Saunders takes us on an unforgettable journey, revealing his hypnotic and soulful sound. A rarely mysterious, evocative atmosphere that unfolds in an ambient setting with psychedelic overtones and metaphysical overtones.

Sanders, in his best years, and in his 80s, proved in the most sonorous and natural way that he can not only coexist, but also listen to new open horizons and work exemplarily with an extremely insightful and capable creator, 40 years his junior. . Promises is a charming fusion of jazz, classical and electronic music in one of the most beautiful albums we’ve heard in a while. And the perfect way to manipulate music and star Farrow Sanders so deftly.