Search - Pharoah Sanders :: Karma

Nice Hymnal Riff with Free Jazz enticements

Earsby | Norman, OK United States | 01/10/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The beauty of Karma is not the Free Jazz, but rather the repetitive hymnal harmonic chord progression that is uplifting. The vocal aspect is also very nice.



I have this on vinyl and recently listened to it. I can't give it 5 stars, because I can't give an album that is largely a couple of ideas taken ad nauseum 5 stars; however, I will say this: I hear some references to Coltrane's A Love Supreme in this album. It is even more uplifting in some ways than A Love Supreme, if not as influential in its scope.



By the way, the LP contains all the music that this CD contains, except that it is continued on side 2."

95% Fantastic and Awesome

Talking Wall | Queen Creek, AZ | 03/21/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Why did I purchase this? Well, I'd finally managed to get my head around Coltrane's "Mediations" and learned to love it. I happened to pick up a used disc by Alice Coltrane "Journey in Satchimandana". Both of these works feature Mr. Sanders. I got curious and discovered his web site. If you haven't been there you should stop in there soon! The "Tunnel" video is wonderful! So anyway, I picked this up along with "Jewels of Thought".



Both releases are almost 100% wonderful but I do have one thing that bothers me. Leon Thomas' singing is good, he's a good vocalist. There is nothing at all wrong with his bizarre "yodeling" affect... But... it is over used to the point of distraction in my opinion. It really catches the new listener off guard, and that's ok. There is just too much of it. That is the only reason I say 95% Fantastic and Awesome, I just wish there was a little less Leon and a little more Pharoah. Of the two releases I think I prefer "Jewels of Thought" but both are worth owning. I also recently heard "Black Unity" and was totally blown away, I plan to pick that one up as well (no Leon Thomas on that one).



This is an incredibly unique recording and well worth your hard-earned pennies. Note that while most of this CD is gentle, there are spots of intensely chaotic playing, which Sanders is known for. If you have not heard Sanders before, you cannot judge this recording on the basis of the Amazon clips. See if you can find some of his music on a Web radio site (he is out there on some of these sites) or perhaps your library can get some in to their collection."

Intense for the ages

IRate | 04/10/2010

(4 out of 5 stars)

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Even with Colors threatening to leave a poor aftertaste, Sanders charts his own love supremely with an enveloping spiritual homage of whirling tribute.

"