Friday Drive
Friday September 30th, 2022 with Trevor Walker
[Pharaoh Sanders Tribute Mixtape]

Happy Friday Drivers! We’ve lost another great with the passing of Pharaoh Sanders after 81 spins around the sun he left us on September 24. Needless to say I had to do a mixtape to pay homage to one of my biggest musical influences and share his gifts with you all. Pharaoh Sanders was greatly revered and a very influential tenor saxophonist explored and extended the boundaries of his instrument, notably alongside John Coltrane in the 1960s but the list of greats who’ve accompanied him is extensive and impressive! Spirit was the overwhelming force in Sanders' music emanating from his tenor and soprano saxophones in fiery blasts to a murmuring flicker. “ “Sanders has consistently had bands that could not only create a lyrical near-mystical Afro-Eastern world," wrote one champion, the poet-critic Amiri Baraka, "but [also] sweat hot fire music in continuing display of the so-called 'energy music' of the '60s." That combination of traits characterized Sanders' defining solo work of the '70s on Impulse! Records, and was a welcoming harbor for experimentalism. “ “NPR article” My introduction, one of my favourites and probably Sanders' single best-known composition "The Creator Has a Master Plan” alongside so many others that, we will sadly, only get a small taste of in the two broadcast hours we have, but I’ll be including extra content on demand, which still won't leave enough time. As usual here on the “Drive” it’s more music less talk so let’s let the King speak for himself and let’s elevate to another level musically & spiritually. I’ve included links below to the Pharaoh Sanders website and a few live performances for anyone interested. Going to be trying to fit in the more groovy, toe tapping, finger popping corners of the Pharaoh Sanders songbook. Thank you for being here and hope you enjoy the ride! Pharaoh Sanders Links: Official site: https://www.pharoahsanders.com NPR: https://www.npr.org/2022/09/24/1124925662/pharoah-sanders-dies-at-81-obituary Pitchfork: https://pitchfork.com/thepitch/pharoah-sanders-obituary/?fbclid=IwAR3N-VGYj3gE4-k7o00Uq5yHHixmuPrX_ulipiRzfCS_fnjTKMDzHaKhOUs Pharaoh Sanders (Live Video - 1968): https://youtu.be/P8rX54ZhweU Pharoah Sanders/John Hicks Live in Frankfurt 1986 https://youtu.be/NiICgp-JPhM Pharoah Sanders - "Kazuko" - An Abandoned Tunnel (Feb 4, 2008): https://youtu.be/Y7EGQzn8e1k Pharoah Sanders - In a Silent Way (Feb. 23, 2011) https://youtu.be/efM2bx1Pza8 Pharaoh Sanders Live at Jazz Cafe London 2011: https://www.youtube.com/watch? Pharoah Sanders Quartet - The Creator Has a Master Plan (live May 14, 2016): https://youtu.be/lhDcb9YaliM v=Stw7sS49s_A Discography on Discogs: https://www.discogs.com/artist/21147-Pharoah-Sanders?type=Releases&filter_anv=0