Luaka Bop Vinyl & CDs

Review: Over the years, Sam Shepheard's work as Floating Points has become increasingly ambitious, moving further away from his dancefloor roots and closer to spiritual jazz, new age and neo-classical. Even so, it was still a surprise when Shepheard announced Promises, a 46-minute piece in 10 "movements" featuring the London Symphony Orchestra and legendary saxophonist Pharoah Sanders. It's an undeniably remarkable piece all told; a constantly evolving fusion of neo-classical ambience, spiritual jazz and starry, synthesizer-laden soundscapes notable not only for Sanders' sublime sax-playing and Shepheard's memorable melodic themes, but also the intricate, detailed nature of the musical arrangements. It's a stunningly beautiful and life-affirming piece all told, and one that deserves your full attention.

Review: Pharoah Sanders was a monumental figure in the field of spiritual jazz, and this album from 1977 was his undisputed masterwork. Receiving renewed recognition in recent years as a collaborator, his passing in 2022 has cemented his legendary status, and so Luaka Bop take on the task of paying tribute with a lavish reissue of this landmark release. As well as the original album, this two-disc edition features previously unreleased live renditions of 'Harvest Time' and a 70-page booklet with interviews, rarely seen photographs and an interview with Sanders himself.