Pharoah Sanders – Thembi

Thembi, released in 1971 on Impulse! Records, is one of Pharoah Sanders’ most celebrated albums and a bold exploration of spiritual jazz. Moving away from the extended, fiery improvisations of his earlier work, Sanders introduces a broader palette of textures and moods, from the meditative to the exuberant. The title track shimmers with warmth and lyricism, while Astral Traveling—penned by pianist Lonnie Liston Smith—offers a serene, cosmic soundscape that became a cornerstone of spiritual jazz.

Elsewhere, tracks like Red, Black & Green and Morning Prayer showcase Sanders’ powerful tenor saxophone alongside unconventional instrumentation, including African percussion, thumb piano, and even a cow horn. Thembi captures both the intensity and the gentleness of Sanders’ vision, creating an album that feels exploratory yet accessible. It stands as a defining moment in his discography, balancing free-jazz energy with transcendent beauty and cementing his reputation as one of the most inventive voices of the era.

Reviews:

“Thembi captures a different side of Sanders, more concise and varied, yet still full of passion and spirituality.” – AllMusic

“A landmark of spiritual jazz, Thembi shows Sanders expanding his vision into new terrain with remarkable grace.” – The Guardian

“Sanders and his group craft a work that is both searching and soothing, a rare balance in the world of avant-garde jazz.” – Pitchfork

“Cosmic yet grounded, Thembi remains one of the most inviting entries into Sanders’ vast and challenging catalog.” – Rolling Stone