Pharoah Sanders - Africa

As Kevin Whitehead's liner notes to this release reflect, Sanders "pays explicit tribute to his late mentor John Coltrane -- as this set's Coltrane-oriented sound makes unashamedly clear." Actually, Coltrane penned only one of the eight tunes, while Sanders wrote six, but the spirit of the master looms heavily throughout. Sanders displays an uncanny resemblance to Trane's unique way of over-blowing and his special ability to get inside a ballad. Pianist John Hicks is in perfect form and contributes mightily to the success of the session. Most will probably prefer the original Coltrane to Sanders' imitations, but Africa is nonetheless a joyous and worthy tribute to one of the giants of jazz. This album marked somewhat of a backtrack for the saxophonist, as he had frequently become identified with much more traditional playing. -
by Steven Loewy, AMG

Pharoah Sanders - Africa (1988)

Tracks:
1. You've Got To Have Freedom (Pharoah Sanders) 10:06
2. Naima (John Coltrane) 5:29
3. Origin (Pharoah Sanders) 6:55
4. Speak Low (Ogden Nash/Kurt Weill) 8:10
5. After The Morning (John Hicks) 6:35
6. Africa (Pharoah Sanders) 8:26
7. Heart To Heart (Pharoah Sanders) 7:24
8. Duo (Pharoah Sanders) 4:34

Line up Musicians

Pharoah Sanders (Tenor Saxophone)
John Hicks (Piano)
Curtis Lundy (Double Bass)
Idris Muhammed (Drums)