Sunday, March 22, 2009

Pharoah Sanders - Tauhid (1967)



Here's Pharoah Sandres' legendary "Tauhid" featuring the great late Sonny Sharrock (see previous post). Although introduced as a protege of John Coltrane and touted by many as his heir apparent, reedman Pharoah Sanders quickly proved his own man. His shared interest in the "cosmic" music of Coltrane's final period belies the fact that Sanders frequently plays with an unhurried sense of peace and satisfaction rarely found in his mentor's music. His use of space, African and Asian motifs and instruments, and simple, repetitive melodies also pointed the way for jazz, rock, and new age musicians in the '70s and '80s, while his sometimes raucous use of harsh, shrieking runs influenced many of jazz's most adventurous saxophonists.

Tauhid showcases both of those abilities. By turns meditative and impulsive, Tauhid's lynchpin is the 17-minute "Upper Egypt and Lower Egypt," on which Sanders plays piccolo in the first half and tenor sax in the second; the duality of the composition suggests both the ancient and modern aspects of Africa and, in turn, its melding with European and American culture. "Japan," a short composition on which Sanders performs a warm, spry vocalese, is both folksy and engaging, while the album's closing triumvirate of "Aum," "Venus," and "Capricorn Rising" proves wild and woolly.

track listing:


1. Upper Egypt & Lower Egypt 16:16
2. Japan 3:24
3. a. Aum b. Venus c. Capricorn Rising 14:46

personnel:

Pharoah Sanders (Tenor and Alto Saxophone, Piccolo and Vocals)
Sonny Sharrock (Guitar)
Dave Burrell (Piano)
Henry Grimes (Bass)
Roger Blank (Drums)
Nat Bettis (Percussion)

rec. 1967

8 comments:

Bill said...

Thanks so much!

MUSIC THROUGH THE YEARS said...

This was a surprise.Upper Egypt is very good.The Caricorn rather wild.Japan very authentic.I was surprised to see Dave Grusin and Larry Rosen were the producers.GRP quality.Million thanks

Anonymous said...

One post led to the other, my purpose was to showcase Sonny Sharrock and we ended up with Pharoah Sanders, a tenor giant in his own right. Don't forget that this was the 60s and this was the 'new thing', I still find it very listenable though.

H.K said...

pharoah always presents trancendence supreme... i haven't heard this album yet... my thanks for offering me a new sanders experience.

peace.

yotte said...

I first learned of both Pharoah and Sonny through Bill Laswell's stuff and haven't heard this. Really looking forward to it. THANKS!

fuzztunnel said...

Thanks!

Anonymous said...

thanks very much for this album.

troods said...

This is my Memorial day meditation.....can't think of a better way to spend the day in peaceful reverence. Thank you for all you do for music lovers.....you are remarkable.....your site is a paradise.