Artist: Pharoah Sanders

Pharoah Sanders was an American jazz saxophonist.

Known for his use of "sheets of sound", Sanders played a prominent role in the development of fre jazz and spiritual jazz through his work as a member of John Coltrane's groups in the mid-1960s, and later through his solo work. He released over thirty albums as a leader and collaborated extensively with vocalist Leon Thomas and pianist Alice Coltrane, among many others. Fellow saxophonist Ornette Coleman once described him as "probably the best  tenor player in the world". 

Sanders' take on "spiritual jazz" was rooted in his inspiration from religious concepts, such as Karma  and Tawhid, and his rich, meditative performance aesthetic. This style was seen as a continuation of Coltrane's work on albums such as A Love Supreme. 

He began his professional career playing tenor saxophone in Oakland, then moved to New York City in 1962. Sun Ra's  biographer wrote that Sanders was often homeless and Ra gave him a place to live and clothes, and encouraged him to use the name "Pharoah". By 1963, he was playing with musicians like Billy Higgins and Don Cherry,  and had caught the attention of Eric Dolphy and John Coltrane. In 1965, he became a member of Coltrane's band, as the latter gravitated towards the avant-garde jazz of  Albert Ayler, Sun Ra, and Cecil Taylor.

Sanders first recorded with Coltrane on  Ascension (recorded in June 1965), then on their dual-tenor album  Meditations  (recorded in November 1965). Sanders then joined Coltrane's final quintet, usually playing long, dissonant solos. Coltrane's later style was influenced by Sanders. 

Further information about Pharoah Sanders is found at PharoahSanders.com.