Tauhid

Tauhid

ASIN: B000003N6S

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Although introduced as a protege of John Coltrane and touted by many as his heir apparent, reedman Pharoah Sanders quickly proved his own man. His shared interest in the "cosmic" music of Coltrane's final period belies the fact that Sanders frequently plays with an unhurried sense of peace and satisfaction rarely found in his mentor's music. His use of space, African and Asian motifs and instruments, and simple, repetitive melodies also pointed the way for jazz, rock, and new age musicians in the '70s and '80s, while his sometimes raucous use of harsh, shrieking runs influenced many of jazz's most adventurous saxophonists. Tauhid showcases both of those abilities. By turns meditative and impulsive, Tauhid's lynchpin is the 17-minute "Upper Egypt and Lower Egypt," on which Sanders plays piccolo in the first half and tenor sax in the second; the duality of the composition suggests both the ancient and modern aspects of Africa and, in turn, its melding with European and American culture. "Japan," a short composition on which Sanders performs a warm, spry vocalese, is both folksy and engaging, while the album's closing triumvirate of "Aum," "Venus," and "Capricorn Rising" proves wild and woolly. --Fred Goodman

Tracks:

Upper Egypt And Lower Egypt
Japan
Aum/Venus/Capricorn Rising

Amazon.com

Although introduced as a protege of John Coltrane and touted by many as his heir apparent, reedman Pharoah Sanders quickly proved his own man. His shared interest in the "cosmic" music of Coltrane's final period belies the fact that Sanders frequently plays with an unhurried sense of peace and satisfaction rarely found in his mentor's music. His use of space, African and Asian motifs and instruments, and simple, repetitive melodies also pointed the way for jazz, rock, and new age musicians in the '70s and '80s, while his sometimes raucous use of harsh, shrieking runs influenced many of jazz's most adventurous saxophonists. Tauhid showcases both of those abilities. By turns meditative and impulsive, Tauhid's lynchpin is the 17-minute "Upper Egypt and Lower Egypt," on which Sanders plays piccolo in the first half and tenor sax in the second; the duality of the composition suggests both the ancient and modern aspects of Africa and, in turn, its melding with European and American culture. "Japan," a short composition on which Sanders performs a warm, spry vocalese, is both folksy and engaging, while the album's closing triumvirate of "Aum," "Venus," and "Capricorn Rising" proves wild and woolly. --Fred Goodman

Customer Reviews:

Pharoah's first strong effort........2005-10-12

In November of 1966, Pharoah Sanders was at the center of the burgeoning "New Thing"s scene-- blowing tenor next to the godfather of that music, John Coltrane and having just completed his first studio session with trumpeter Don Cherry, Sanders entered the studio for the second time to record an album, this time for Impulse Records. "Tauhid" was the result of that sessions.

Assembling a band of then-unknown guitarist Sonny Sharrock, pianist Dave Burrell, bassist Henry Grimes, drummer Roger Blank and percussionist Nat Bettis, Sanders recorded two lengthy suites (each around 15 minutes) and one brief piece. Both the influence of Coltrane and Cherry can be heard, and while Sanders' vision is not yet fully realized, the path to the future is clear.

"Upper Egypt & Lower Egypt", the suite on the first side, clearly shows the influence of Don Cherry. The first section is a building, bubbling theme, driven by swelling guitar before dropping into an arco bass solo and eventually a piccolo performance (from Sanders) over percussion. This folds into the closing section-- a fantastic, guitar and piano driven riff over which Sanders solos fiercely-- utilizing his overblowing technique to gain the most of his expressiveness before wordlessly singing the theme.

"Japan", a brief interlude, finds Sanders vocalising microtonally over an Eastern-tinged theme. It certainly works nicely enough and has the wisdom to end before it gets irritating.

The closing suite-- three pieces performed in medley, is frantic and explosive-- "Aum" finds Sanders railing away frantically on alto before switching to tenor for the more meditative "Venus", where Sanders growls his theme before the piece moves into a totally free improv with Sanders, Sharrock and Blank all wailing around Burrell's framework. A rather nonlinear pizzicato bass solo moves into the third movement-- "Capricorn Rising"-- a brief theme statement on tenor that finds itself equally meditative.

A final note-- this album seriously needs remastering-- the sound on this release sounds seriously dated. But this flaw aside, this is a fine, if somewhat derivative outing from Sanders.

A different side of Coltrane-era Pharoah.......2001-11-08

In late 1966, Pharoah Sanders was still a sideman in Coltrane's final quintet and had made his reputation for his wild and aggressive playing style. This early solo date shows the peaceful, meditative side to Pharoah's music -- a side that he would explore more in-depth after 'Trane's death. The focus of the first track (Upper Egypt & Lower Egypt) is on the rhythm section which provides a haunting soundscape that calls to our deepest ancestral roots as well as the present, and provides a beautiful canvas upon which Pharoah periodically provides some gently lilting flute and piccolo solos -- along with some very melodic sax work. The second piece (Japan) has the feel of an Asian folk melody. The third piece (Aum/Venus/Capricorn Rising) presents more of the fierceness that we Pharoah Sanders fans have grown to know and love, and passages point the way to his later sonic triumphs (e.g., "The Creator Has a Master Plan"). The late guitarist Sonny Sharrock is a treat to hear on this album.

Personally I consider any of his work from the late 1960s and early 1970s to be worth checking out. Tauhid is a good starting point to explore this important creative artist during an era where he was arguably at a creative peak. Unlike some of his subsequent albums, this ain't gonna tear the roof off the sucker, but it makes for some wonderful chill-out music for late at night.

Very Important Work.......2000-02-01

This album is where I first became familiar with Pharoah's work-besides Coltrane's Ascension. This is important stuff because it is an excellent departure in the spiritualist merge of three different civilizations: Occident, Orient, and African. All are intertwined within the genre of jazz. This is a movement that can be located in the works of other folks who played with Coltrane such as his wife. The music is a powerful statement.

PHAROAHS BEST!.......1999-08-24

I first heard this record as a child (around 1975) and I was so happy to find it on CD. I can't reccomend it highly enough. The opening track "Upper and Lower Egypt" is just like riding up the Nile. One can hear the quiet, relaxing sounds. Then, as we enter the city, we hear the piano vamp which hypnotizes us throughout the song. Finally we are deep in the city, with Pharoah playing with a soul which has never been heard before!!!! I have to agree with one of the other reviewers: This is great to chill out with after a Phish show. I mean absolutely perfect!

A Sound of Love, Peace, and Happiness.......1999-03-16

There are many reasons why this is one of my favorite albums. First, there is the sheer joy of a thatched raft ride down the Nile, with Pharoah as the captain, playing his piccolo in tune with the summer breeze, gradually mounting into an out-and-out groove that would fit in at a good Dead show--but more focused. Japan is a peaceful chant that reminds us of what is beautiful. The last piece, a tumultuous three-part movement, leads us to truth and beauty within the sky itself. I recommend this to fans of jam music and free jazz. Perfect to cool out to after a Phish show.

Average customer rating:

Tauhid
Pharoah Sanders
Manufacturer: Universal
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Avant Garde & Free Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Hard Bop | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

Jazz | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000QUCXEU
Release Date: 2007-08-06

Tracks:

Upper Egypt and Lower Egypt
Japan
Medley: Aum/Venus/Capricorn Rising

Album Details

Japanese Limited Edition Issue of the Album Classic in a Deluxe, Miniaturized LP Sleeve Replica of the Original Vinyl Album Artwork.

Average customer rating:

Getting to Know Me... and I Like It!
Diana Wharton Sennaar
Manufacturer: Tauhid
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Children's Music | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0007QS3ZQ
Release Date: 2005-02-01

Average customer rating:

Tauhid
Boxcutter
Manufacturer: Planet Mu
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000EJ9MOW
Release Date: 2006-03-14

Average customer rating:

Tauhid
Pharoah Sanders
Manufacturer: Japanese Import
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Avant Garde & Free Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

Hard Bop | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00005L8ZJ
Release Date: 2002-05-07

Tracks:

Upper Egypt and Lower Egypt
Japan
Medley: Aum/Venus/Capricorn Rising

Album Description

Part of the Impulse Best 50! Series. Japanese exclusive 24-bit 96khz digitally remastered reissue of 1966 album. Packaged in a limited edition miniature LP sleeve.

Album Details

Japanese limited edition release featuring an LP style slipcase cover. 24bit 96kHz digitally remastered. Part of the 'Impulse Best 50' collection.

Jazz Music:

Jazz Music

Jazz Music