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- Pharoah Sanders
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Pharoah Sanders's Page
Profile Information
- What instrument do you play?
- Saxophones, flute, percussion instruments
- Who influenced you to listen to jazz
- God
- How did you find out about the WDCJN?
- www.washingtondcjazznetwork.com/profile/georgevjohnsonjr
- My Website
- http://http://www.pharoahsanders.net
- Where are you located?
- Los Angeles
- Tell us about yourself
-
Pharoah Sanders possesses one of the most distinctive tenor saxophone sounds in jazz. Harmonically rich and heavy with overtones, Sanders' sound can be as raw and abrasive as it is possible for a saxophonist to produce. Yet, Sanders is highly regarded to the point of reverence by a great many jazz fans.
Although he made his name with expressionistic, nearly anarchic free jazz in John Coltrane's late ensembles of the mid-'60s, Sanders' later music is guided by more graceful concerns.
The hallmarks of Sanders' playing at that time were naked aggression and unrestrained passion. In the yearsafter Coltrane's death, however, Sanders explored other, somewhat gentler and perhaps more cerebral avenues -- without, it should be added, sacrificing any of the intensity that defined his work as an apprentice to Coltrane.
Pharoah Sanders (his given name, Ferrell Sanders) was born into a musical family. Sanders' first instrument was the clarinet, but he switched to tenor sax as a high school student, under the influence of his band director, Jimmy Cannon. Cannon also exposed Sanders to jazz for the first time. Sanders' early favorites included Harold Land, James Moody, Sonny Rollins, Charlie Parker, and John Coltrane.
As a teenager, he played blues gigs for ten and 15 dollars a night around Little Rock, backing such blues greats as Bobby "Blue" Bland and Junior Parker. After high school, Sanders moved to Oakland, CA, where he lived with relatives. He attended Oakland Junior College, studying art and music. Known in the San Francisco Bay Area as "Little Rock," Sanders soon began playing bebop, rhythm & blues, and free jazz with many of the region's finest musicians, including fellow saxophonists Dewey Redman and Sonny Simmons, as well as pianist Ed Kelly and drummer Smiley Winters. In 1961, Sanders moved to New York, where he struggled. Unable to make a living with his music, Sanders took to pawning his horn, working non-musical jobs, and sometimes sleeping on the subway.
During this period he played with a number of free jazz luminaries, including Sun Ra, Don Cherry, and Billy Higgins. Sanders formed his first group in 1963, with pianist John Hicks (with whom he would continue to play off-and-on into the '90s), bassist Wilbur Ware, and drummer Higgins. The group played an engagement at New York's Village Gate. A member of the audience was John Coltrane, who apparently liked what he heard. In late 1964, Coltrane asked Sanders to sit in with his band. By the next year, Sanders was playing regularly with the Coltrane group, although he was never made an official member of the band. Coltrane's ensembles with Sanders were some of the most controversial in the history of jazz. Their music, as represented by the group's recordings -- Om, Live at the Village Vanguard Again, and Live in Seattle among them -- represents a near total desertion of traditional jazz concepts, like swing and functional harmony, in favor of a teeming, irregularly structured, organic mixture of sound for sound's sake.
Strength was a necessity in that band, and as Coltrane realized, Sanders had it in abundance.
Sanders made his first record as a leader in 1964 for the ESP label. After John Coltrane's death in 1967, Sanders worked briefly with his widow, Alice Coltrane. From the late '60s, he worked primarily as a leader of his own ensembles. From 1966-1971, Sanders released several albums on Impulse, including Tauhid (1966), Karma (1969), Black Unity (1971), and Thembi (1971). In the mid-'70s, Sanders recorded his most commercial effort, Love Will Find a Way (Arista, 1977); it turned out to be a brief detour. From the late '70s until 1987, he recorded for the small independent label Theresa. From 1987, Sanders recorded for the Evidence and Timeless labels. The former bought Theresa records in 1991 and subsequently re-released Sanders' output for that company. In 1995, Sanders made his first major-label album in many years, Message From Home (produced by Bill Laswell for Verve). The two followed that one up in 1999 with Save Our Children. In 2000, Sanders released Spirits -- a multi-ethnic live suite with Hamid Drake and Adam Rudolph. In the decades after his first recordings with Coltrane, Sanders developed into a more well-rounded artist, capable of playing convincingly in a variety of contexts, from free to mainstream. Some of his best work is his most accessible. As a mature artist, Sanders discovered a hard-edged lyricism that has served him well.
– Chris Kelsey, All Music Guide
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Put it this way: Jazz is a good barometer of freedom… In its beginnings, the United States of America spawned certain ideals of freedom and independence through which, eventually, jazz was evolved, and the music is so free that many people say it is the only unhampered, unhindered expression of complete freedom yet produced in this country.~~~Duke Ellington
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A Tisket A Tasket!
Dubbed "The First Lady of Song," Ella Fitzgerald was the most popular female jazz singer in the United States for more than half a century. In her lifetime, she won 13 Grammy awards and sold over 40 million albums
Benny GolsonA Member of the Washington DCJazz Network
 NOW'S THE TIME
Learn to be a real
JazZ Singer!
       
BLUE MINOR
"GINGERBREAD BOY"
VOICE OF THE SAXOPHONE
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I think the idea is now for blacks to write about the history of our music. It's time for that, because whites have been doing it all the time.
It's time for us to do it ourselves and tell it like it is~~
Hahahaha...Yeah, Diz you hit the nail on the head. Tell it like it is...
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Honorary Member of the Washington DC Jazz Network
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Captivating jazz vocalist: soulful musical storyteller blending jazz, pop & blues to uplift and inspire.
Upcoming shows
12/24 Yoshi's San Francisco
All dates
San Francisco, CA · www.clairdee.com
Tennessee Waltz
December 24, 2012
A Member of the Washington DC Jazz Network
A saxophonist, composer, producer and educator, Bobby Watson grew up in Kansas City, Kansas. He trained formally at the University of Miami, and he proceeded to earn his doctorate on the bandstand -- as musical director of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers.
(August 10, 1932 – December 19, 2010)
November 5, 2012
JEANNE GIES
A Member of the Washington DC Jazz Network
w/ Master Guitarist
New York Post observes that he is "...one of the very finest young guitarists working today."
October 29, 2012
The W.D.C.J.N. is now internationally reaching Jazz musician, enthusiasts and aficionados, promoters, festivals of Jazz around the world. A real eye opener for people researching the history and present day development an evolution of America’s only original art form and historical legacy.
Sincerely!!!
Maxwell Price
An Advocate for Preserving America's Classical Music, "JAZZ", it's African American Heritage, Roots & Legacy throughout the world!
Executive Director & Founder
Washington DC Jazz Network
The Eddie Jefferson School of Bop
Hello George, I am proud to be a member of the Washington DC Jazz Network (WDJN).
I am able to find out what's going on in town and on the east coast
and to network with other musicians. I get a lot of my news from the emails I receive from WJN.
I also would like to thank you for supporting the Jazz
program at Howard University in Washington, DC. Keep up the great work.~~~FRED IRBY
The Howard University Jazz Ensemble will present it's Fall Concert @ Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel.
The guest soloist will be saxophonist Javon Jackson. Mr. Jackson is a veteran of the bands of Art Blakey, Freddie Hubbard, Elvin Jones and Les McCann. There will also be a performance by AFRO BLUE, the award winning vocal jazz ensemble.
WATSON-JOHNSON
DANCE THEATRE
Trenton New Jersey's Premiere Dance Institution
Presents
"NUTCRACKER CAFE' AU LAIT" Sat., Dec. 22, 2012 RSVP Today!
Bring the Entire Family!
Available for
Bookings & Tours
609.403.6070
Ms. Carol
Artistic Director Founder Choreographer
B.F.A. Howard University 1980
A Member of the Washington DC Jazz Network
A Member of the Washington DC Jazz Network
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Support the Network that Supports you!
I fully endorse this institution and encourage anyone that is fond of Jazz to visit the Washington D.C. Jazz Network; today and become a member or make a donation to a worthy cause.
Sincerely!!!
Maxwell Price
TODAY!
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Blog Posts
...from the root to the fruit. ...blues/funk meets hip-hop!
Posted by billy jones bluez on May 13, 2013 at 3:44pm 0 Comments 0 Likes
...from the root to the fruit ...blues/funk meets hip hop!
Blues Again! - French Blues Magazine cd review:
http://www.bluesagain.com/p_selection/selection%200413.html
Chicago Examiner cd review :…
Tony Adamo Random Act Records/Vocal Hipspoken'Word
Posted by Tony Adamo on May 8, 2013 at 10:02pm 0 Comments 0 Likes
Random Act Record Artist Tony Adamo's CD, MILES OF BLU has a street date of May 21, 2013. Due to the high demand for his new CD, MILES OF BLU is being sold early on Doc Kupka's Strokeland Records site. Doc is one of the founding members of Tower of Power. All major outlets for CD sales will be carrying MILES OF BLUE after May 21st.…
Continue 
Tony Adamo MILES OF BLU/Random Act Records/EJAZZNEWS
Posted by Tony Adamo on May 2, 2013 at 1:03pm 0 Comments 0 Likes
Tony Adamo Vocal/Hipspoken'Word Artist Discovered by Legendary Drummer Mike Clark
Posted by Tony Adamo on April 19, 2013 at 12:03am 0 Comments 0 Likes
In the summer of 2011 legendary drummer, Mike Clark (Herbie Hancock and the Headhunters) recorded with Tony Adamo on a new cover of Tower of Power's "Soul Vaccination." It was at this session a music alliance was formed between the two and Clark became the music producer for Adamo's new CD, MILES OF BLU. Clark had played on Adamo's previous CDs. To complete the mix, Clark brought on board Tim Ouimette,…
¨The Past is back¨ Digital Series ( 2013): Samples¨
Posted by Marta Graciela Bressi on April 16, 2013 at 6:42pm 0 Comments 0 Likes
Tony Adamo/Jazz/Hipspoken' Word & Soul
Posted by Tony Adamo on April 16, 2013 at 2:20pm 0 Comments 0 Likes
"It quickly becomes apparent that in the gray area between jazz, r&b and soul, Tony Adamo is one of the top voices. What Is Hip? is easily recommended."
Scott Yanow, author of The Jazz Singers, Trumpet Kings, Jazz On Film and Jazz On Record 1917-76
http://www.reverbnation.com/tonyadamo/app…
Tony Adamo's Miles of Blu Takes Flight
Posted by Tony Adamo on April 15, 2013 at 1:05am 0 Comments 0 Likes
TONY ADAMO JEFF BERLIN MICHAEL WOLFF MIKE CLARK/RANDOM ACT RECORDS
Posted by Tony Adamo on April 12, 2013 at 11:09am 0 Comments 0 Likes
TONY ADAMO JEFF BERLIN MICHAEL WOLFF MIKE CLARK/RANDOM ACT RECORDS COMING SOON: "MILES OF BLU" from HipSpokenWord artist Tony Adamo. Tony has basically invented his own, original genre. This hipster speaks, raps, and sings his compelling stories, with able assistance from Producer Mike Clark and cohorts like Michael Wolff, Delbert Bump, Tim Ouimette, Richie Goods, Bill Summers and even Tower of Power's own physician of the funk, Stephen "Doc" Kupka. This release will turn heads and blow…
Continue Tony Adamo Jeff Berlin Wolff & Clark Random Act Records
Posted by Tony Adamo on April 12, 2013 at 2:19am 0 Comments 0 Likes
Shawn Papi presents A Fellowship & Networking Event
Posted by Christian Promoter Shawn Papi on April 11, 2013 at 3:29pm 0 Comments 0 Likes
SAVE THE DATE !!! IT'S OFFICIAL OUR 1ST NETWORKING EVENT !!!
Shawn Papi presents A Fellowship & Networking Event
July 13, 2013 from 1:00pm to 4:30pm at the 4 Star Luxury Hotel -…
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Happy 80th Birthday, Dr. Nathan Hare, Father of Black Studies
Posted by Marvin X on April 11, 2013 at 9:22am 0 Comments 0 Likes
Happy 80th Birthday Dr. Nathan Hare
Geoffery's Club
410 14th St., Oakland
April 13, 2013…
Tony Adamo/The Top 50 Releases of 2012/JazzTimes/February issue 2013 & Jazz Radio
Posted by Tony Adamo on April 7, 2013 at 1:30pm 0 Comments 0 Likes
The Top 50 Releases of 2012/JazzTimes/February issue 2013
If you combined all Top 50 releases in terms of hard copy sales. Would it amount to 250,000 units sold, 300,000 sold? And what's wrong with Jazz radio or what's left of it? Billboard Jazz Charts for April 6, 2013 has Madeleine Peyroux "The Blue Room" @#1. Yet on the Jazz Week Charts for April 8, 2013 Peyroux is not even in the Top 50.
Man that's how I dig…
Tony Adamo's "What is Hip" @#17 on Lasvegasweekly top 25
Posted by Tony Adamo on April 4, 2013 at 6:33pm 0 Comments 0 Likes
Top MP3 downloads for the week ending April 1, 2013
Tony Adamo's "What is Hip" @#17 on Lasvegasweekly top 25
The recording of the song “What is Hip” on Adamo's "What is Hip" CD came from a
suggestion made by the legendary horn player and Tower of Power co-founder, STEPHEN 'DOC' KUPKA. During a recording session with Adamo. Doc suggested several TOP songs that Adamo might want to cover.
Adamo chose “What is…
Tony Adamo's Record Producer Drummer Mike Clark in Top 50 @#16 on jazz week Charts
Posted by Tony Adamo on April 3, 2013 at 10:30am 0 Comments 0 Likes
Wolff & Clark — Expedition( Michael Wolff & Mike Clark) on Random Act Records.Are holding strong @#16 in Jazz Week's Top 50 national Jazz Charts.Legendary drummer Mike Clark produces Random Act records Vocal/Hipspoken' Word Artist Tony Roc Adamo Frank Black/ A Double Left Hook PR Gig NYC http://www.jazzweek.com/releases/2013/02/wolff-clark-expedition-random-act-records/…
Vocal/Hipspoken'Word Artist Tony Adamo @#22 in Top 25 for Top MP3 downloads/Lasvegasweekly
Posted by Tony Adamo on March 31, 2013 at 6:05pm 0 Comments 0 Likes
Tony Adamo's "What is Hip' @#22 in Top 25 for Top MP3 downloads for the week ending March 29/ "What is Hip" Song Lineup
What Is Hip? (S Kupka, E Castillo, D Garibaldi - Bob-A-Lew Songs ASCAP)
Vocal/Hipspokenword - Tony Adamo Drums - Mike Clark Bass - Richie Goods Piano - Neil Larsen Guitar - Jerry Stucker Percussion - Bill Summers Bari Sax - Stephen Doc Kupka Trumpet - Eddie Henderson Background Vocals - Sandy Griffith Midi Programming - Jerry Stucker Full song of Tony Adamo's What…
Tony Adamo's "What is Hip' @#22 in Top 25/ LasVegasWeekly
Posted by Tony Adamo on March 31, 2013 at 12:45am 0 Comments 0 Likes
"What is Hip" Song Lineup
What Is Hip?
(S Kupka, E Castillo, D Garibaldi - Bob-A-Lew Songs ASCAP)
Vocal/Hipspokenword - Tony Adamo
Drums - Mike Clark
Bass - Richie Goods
Piano - Neil Larsen
Guitar - Jerry…
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Hey! Pharoah,
How are you? It’s been many years since I had the opportunity to talk with you the first time if you still remember your early concerts at the university of Toronto many years ago I use to also ask you to play one of your originals tunes which by now I don’t remember the name of that tune but whenever I seen you even at Slug’s back in the day I would ask you to play it. Anyway! I would like you to join me on W.D.C.J.N. you might also remember Byron Pope, in which we did a few recording sessions here in Europe some 20 years ago which I’ve posted. If you have a moment check out some of those sound tracks on my W.D.C.J.N.
I’ve been trying to spread the news here in Europe regarding George and the network.
Have a wonderful New Year!!!
Maxwell
Got this live concert of you playing Giant Steps and it is so mean!!! I listen to it over again and it sounds so fresh. A Giant still among us it is a blessing to discover more of your music , that is what I use the internet for jazz, blues, history.- kev
We Love you madly!
Washington DC Jazz Network
Dear Pharoah,
Welcome to our family...
The Washington DC Jazz Network
We encourage all members to participate in discussions, make comments on blogs, join special groups for networking, upload videos, music and a profile photo etc. To invite more friends click the share/invite button. Our goal is to reach thousands.. The more we network the more we grow as a close knit family and the more power we have to preserve America's Classical music "JAZZ".
Remember to follow your dreams. Your dreams are your destiny! "MOMENTS NOTICE"
I love you~~~George V Johnson Jr, Executive Director & Founder, Washington DC Jazz Network