#100 of 100
· Cratewise Editorial
“Karma closes out this list exactly where it belongs—not because it's lesser, but because it's the gateway. Sanders' soprano sax work here is transcendent, especially on "The Creator Has a Master Plan," and this Impulse! pressing captures every breathy overtone. I've placed it at 100 to remind collectors that exploring deep into spiritual jazz means starting somewhere, and Karma's accessibility paired with genuine spiritual weight makes it the perfect entry point before diving into the heavier, more experimental corners of the canon.”
Pharoah Sanders is a legendary tenor saxophonist who emerged from the free jazz and spiritual jazz movements of the 1960s. Born Farrell Sanders in 1940, he gained initial recognition through his work with John Coltrane's late ensembles between 1965-1967, contributing to Coltrane's spiritual jazz explorations. Sanders went on to establish himself as a solo artist and bandleader, recording prolifically for impulse! Records and other labels. His 1969 album 'Karma' stands as a cornerstone of spiritual jazz, blending his overblown, multi-phononic saxophone technique with orchestral arrangements and Pharaoh's own spiritual vision. Throughout the 1970s and beyond, Sanders maintained a prolific recording career, exploring African rhythms, world music influences, and meditative spiritual themes while collaborating with musicians including Lonnie Liston Smith and other fusion-era artists.
Style
Pharoah Sanders is a spiritual and free jazz pioneer known for his powerful, often overblown tenor saxophone tone and extended techniques including screams, shrieks, and multiphonics. His music blends modal jazz, African percussion, orchestral arrangements, and world music influences into a transcendent, meditative aesthetic.
Significance
Sanders represents a crucial bridge between Coltrane's late period explorations and the spiritual and world jazz movements that followed, making his vinyl catalog essential for collectors interested in jazz's spiritual and experimental dimensions. His prolific 1960s-1970s output on Impulse! Records and his continued recording into the 2010s make him a cornerstone of serious jazz vinyl collections.
Pharoah Sanders' 'Karma' (1969) represents a pivotal moment in the saxophonist's artistic evolution, recorded during his most fertile creative period. Sessions took place at Van Gelder Studio in New Jersey with a stellar ensemble including pianist Alice Coltrane, bassist Richard Davis, and drummer Jack DeJohnette. The album showcases Sanders' spiritual approach to free jazz, heavily influenced by his association with John Coltrane's late-period work. Sanders had recently left Coltrane's group and was establishing his own voice, blending sheets of sound saxophone techniques with deep meditative qualities. The recording captures a band in perfect synchronicity, with Sanders' distinctive breathy tenor tone cutting through dense, spiritual arrangements that reflect the era's cultural consciousness.
Historical Context
Released in 1969, 'Karma' arrived during a transformative period for jazz as the genre grappled with free jazz experimentation and spiritual awakening. The late 1960s saw musicians increasingly incorporating Eastern philosophy, with Coltrane's legacy still resonating strongly through the community. Contemporary listeners were discovering Alice Coltrane's work and the deeper spiritual dimensions of jazz. The album received respect within jazz circles and helped establish Sanders as more than a sideman—positioning him as a visionary artist in his own right. It contributed to the broader soul-jazz and spiritual jazz movements that would define the early 1970s.
Pressing Notes
Original pressings were released on Impulse! Records with their characteristic gatefold artwork and superior mastering quality. Early stereo copies are highly sought after by collectors. The album has been reissued multiple times, including Japanese pressings known for exceptional sound quality. Collectors should note that original 1969 domestic pressings often command premium prices, while later reissues from the 1970s-80s are more readily available. Condition is critical for this title—vinyl quality varies significantly between pressings. The gatefold cover and inner sleeve featuring liner notes add to the album's collectibility.
A Love Supreme
John Coltrane
Essential spiritual jazz that shares Pharoah Sanders' deep exploration of modal jazz and transcendent saxophone expression.
Journey in Satchidananda
Alice Coltrane
Features similarly ethereal and meditative qualities with harp and strings alongside spiritual jazz instrumentation that complements Sanders' cosmic approach.
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