Released: 09/08/24
Thembi marks a bold departure for Pharoah Sanders, trading his signature sprawling spiritual jams for a more diverse and compact sonic journey. Recorded with two different ensembles, the 1971 album explores a wide range of moods and textures—from the dreamy electric piano of “Astral Traveling” to the raw intensity of “Red, Black & Green.” Sanders showcases a variety of instruments, from tenor and soprano sax to cow horn and African percussion. Though less unified than his earlier work, Thembi stands out for its adventurous spirit and rare glimpse into the many facets of Sanders' musical identity.