Pharoah SandersWisdom Through Music

Recorded in New York City and Los Angeles in 1972 and released the following year by Impulse!, Pharoah Sanders’ album Wisdom Through Music features the leader with flutist James Branch, pianist Joe Bonner, bassist Cecil McBee, drummer Norman Connors, and percussionists Badal Roy, James Mtume, and Lawrence Killian. The recording was produced by Lee Young, the younger brother of saxophonist Lester Young. According to AllMusic reviewer Thom Jurek, “most notable is ‘High Life,’ on which Sanders emulates the West African style of music with roiling, celebratory drumming and singing, and killer flute playing. ‘Love Is Everywhere’ is a shorter version of what is now a Sanders performance standard. Its rawness and soulfulness simply burst from the musical frame with celebration before Bonner and the ensemble take over and rip it up. A compelling whole, revealing a chapter in Sanders recorded history.”

Tracklist:

SIDE ONE:

1. High Life
2. Love Is Everywhere
3. Wisdom Through Music

SIDE TWO:

1. The Golden Lamp
2. Selflessness

Personnel:

Pharoah Sanders—Soprano , Tenor & Flute

James Branch—Flute

Joseph Bonner—Piano

Lawrence Killian, James Mtume & Babadal Roy—Percussion

Norman Connors—Drums