Thembi by Pharoah Sanders, released 9 August 2024.
This version of Thembi comes as a 1xLP. -
Vinyl LP pressing. Released in 1971 on Impulse and recorded with two different ensembles, Thembi? marked a departure from the slowly developing, side-long, mantra-like grooves Sanders had been pursuing for much of his solo career. Instead, it offers an intriguingly wide range of relatively concise ideas resulting in something of an anomaly in Sanders' prime period. Verve By Request Series features 180-gram vinyl, pressed at Third Man in Detroit.
"Thembi (Verve By Request)" is a remarkable LP by the legendary jazz saxophonist Pharoah Sanders, released under the iconic Impulse! label. Originally recorded in 1971, "Thembi" showcases Sanders' innovative approach to spiritual and avant-garde jazz, blending hypnotic rhythms with deeply expressive improvisation. The album features standout tracks such as "Astral Traveling" and the title piece "Thembi," highlighting his ability to fuse Eastern influences with soulful melodies. Pharoah Sanders rose to prominence through collaborations with John Coltrane and has since become renowned for his powerful tone and pioneering contributions to free jazz. Impulse! Records, established in 1960, is celebrated for its groundbreaking releases from artists like Coltrane, Alice Coltrane, and Charles Mingus?making it synonymous with excellence in modern jazz.