Pharoah Sanders, a titan of free jazz and a former collaborator of John Coltrane, delivers an electrifying performance at the Juan Les Pin Jazz Festival in 1968. This live album captures the raw energy and spiritual depth of Sanders' playing, showcasing his mastery of the tenor saxophone and his ability to push the boundaries of jazz.
The album features three tracks: "Improvisation," "Venus," and "The Creator Has a Master Plan." Each piece is a testament to Sanders' unique style, blending free jazz with elements of hard bop. His playing is intense, soulful, and deeply expressive, backed by the stellar accompaniment of Lonnie Liston Smith on piano, Sirone on bass, and Najeed Shabazz on drums.
Recorded on July 20th, 1968, in Antibes, France, this album is a historical document of a pivotal moment in jazz history. The live setting amplifies the urgency and spontaneity of the performance, making it a thrilling listen for both longtime fans and newcomers to Sanders' music. The album's relatively short duration of 36 minutes ensures that the energy never wanes, delivering a powerful and unrelenting jazz experience.