The great great Ferrell just finished the second of a two-night stand here. So, in honor and awe, here's a couple of his finest mid-period sides on the Theresa label. Rejoice is of course a bonafide barabara classic – just look and marvel at the outstanding line-up of musicians he has with him here – and without question cause for outright exultation.
As for Journey to the One, it's a bit of a cosmic cocktail of textures – from spiritual-jazz anthems and all-out trademark Pharoa-nics to ballads, and using koto, sitar, synths and more – but there are plenty of special moments here, not least the stately magnificent Bedria that closes out side 4. One of my favorites, in fact...
dusty sez (on Rejoice):
Fantastic 80s work from Pharoah Sanders – with a vibe that's a perfect extension of his classic work for the Impulse label! The album has Pharoah working with an amazing group – Bobby Hutcherson on vibes, John Hicks and Joe Bonner on piano, Art Davis on bass, and either Elvin Jones or Billy Higgins on drums. The sound is remarkably fresh – soaring and spiritual, but also more focused than in earlier years, with a great amount of soulful warmth. And although extra elements are added – like vocals, vibes, and added percussion – Pharoah's solos still dominate the whole album beautifully.
amg (Scott Yanow) sez (on Journey):
…all ten of Pharoah Sanders's performances from the sessions. As usual, Sanders shifts between spiritual peace and violent outbursts in his tenor solos. The backup group changes from track to track but often includes pianist John Hicks, bassist Ray Drummond and drummer Idris Muhammad. Sanders really recalls his former boss John Coltrane on "After the Rain" (taken as a duet with pianist Joe Bonner) and a romantic "Easy to Remember"; other highpoints include "You've Got to Have Freedom" (which has Bobby McFerrin as one of the background singers) and the exotic "Kazuko" on which Sanders is accompanied by koto, harmonium and wind chimes.
17 comments:
And seeing as both of these albums are readily available for purchase at the usual places, these links will not stay up for long.
The clock is ticking...
seen pharoah many times thru the years..thanks
Exultations, without doubt. Great work, thanks.
Many Thanks, friend. I love the Pharoah's work but feel I have a lot of catching up to do when it comes to Pharoah as Leader. Can't wait to hear these.
Allen Pittman was certainly on a roll with his Theresa Record label when this Sanders date was released, and 'Rejoice' helped propel the label even higher to create a stellar roster and equally memorable sessions. Along with 'Journey To The One,' it showcased an invigorated Pharoah sounding much like his superb Impulse years.
Thanks for sharing it.
thanks!
<a href="http://2daystrack.blogspot.com>http://2daystrack.blogspot.com</a>
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THESE UPLOADS! THIS WILL BE MY SUNDAY MORNING SOUNDTRACK, CHEERS
You've just made my day. Thanks!
@ one and all
you're very welcome.
@ milles,
Many thanks for extra background on Theresa.
Looking at the list on Discogs (I don't know if it's complete)
I was surprised there are quite a few albums on the label
that I've never come across.
Maybe someone should put together a Theresa label blog. Just an idea...
cheers
Here's the link to the list on discogs:
www.discogs.com/label/Theresa%20Records
@ Miles
And that's a really impressive Joe Henderson post you've put up at your place.
Everyone else: go check it out over at:
birdswithbrokenwings2.blogspot.com/
Thanks particularly for "Journey to the One" TN ... had bypassed this in my initial fascination with his early 70s work, glad I had another listen now :)
Thank you for these -- Journey's been a longtime favorite, but I somehow missed Rejoice all these years. It's wonderful stuff! This is much appreciated.
Many thanks.
@ Simon, nick, Bill
Yup, they're both essential albums. Glad to hear this post is helping to fill in the essential missing blanks of your musical universes...
Post a Comment