Elemental Music Vinyl & CDs

Review: Elemental Music's latest release brings a long-awaited reissue of Pharoah Sanders' 1973 album Village of the Pharoahs, finally available on vinyl after decades. This record stands as one of Sanders' most groundbreaking works, blending spiritual jazz with free improvisation. The album is a masterclass in musical exploration, featuring a stellar lineup including Joe Bonner, Cecil McBee, and Stanley Clarke. Side-1 launches with the pulsating title track, a three-part suite that immerses listeners in complex rhythms and modal saxophone lines. Side-2 continues with the ethereal 'Mansion Worlds,' before shifting into the balladic 'Memories of Lee Morgan,' and concluding with the lively 'Went Like It Came,' a surprising, foot-tapping closer. Considered one of his best releases by the majority, this listen is ideal for both seasoned jazz lovers and those new to the genre.

Review: Pharoah Sanders' 1970 album is an intense spiritual jazz offering, recorded in New York's A & R Studios. The title, which translates from Arabic as "Deaf Dumb Blind," is a reference to the Sura Bakara from the Qur'an, suggesting a deep, metaphysical exploration of faith and enlightenment. The album blends African musical influences with Sanders' signature improvisational style, offering a bold statement of musical and philosophical depth. The performance is raw and hypnotic, characterised by Sanders' powerful saxophone work, with the music pushing boundaries of both jazz and spiritual exploration.

Review: Pharoah Sanders' Wisdom Through Music stands as a testament to his exploratory spirit in the jazz world, recorded in 1972 and released a year later by Impulse! Featuring a stellar ensemble including flutist James Branch, pianist Joe Bonner, and bassist Cecil McBee, the album brings together some of the most innovative players of the time. The production by Lee Young, brother of the legendary Lester Young, frames Sanders' vision with a spiritual and deeply rhythmic soundscape. The track 'High Life' captures the essence of West African musical tradition, combining ecstatic drumming with vibrant flute work, creating an atmosphere of joyous celebration. 'Love Is Everywhere', a staple of Sanders' live performances, radiates raw emotion and soul, with Sanders leading the charge before allowing Bonner and the rest of the ensemble to take the song to new heights. The album is a powerful snapshot of Sanders' 70s output, showcasing his ability to blend spiritual jazz with global influences, making it a vital piece of his extensive discography.