We label everything, and in some ways, that’s caused chaos for us. But when it comes to people who are passionate, the labels fade, you recognize them instantly, because you carry that same passion yourself.
Pharoah Sanders, the American jazz saxophonist, embodied that kind of dedication. Known for his overblowing, harmonic, and multiphonic techniques, his music feels like a form of spiritual guidance. Listening to him is more than just sound, it’s an experience. The more you listen, the more you realize how devoted he was to his craft, and how proud you feel.
Born October 13, 1940, and passing on September 24, 2022, his legacy remains.
There’s a video online of him playing Kazuko from his album Save Our Children in an abandoned tunnel. He walks slowly, letting the saxophone echo against the walls. The image of being alone, playing only for yourself, creates a peaceful stillness. And because it lives online, you can always return to it.
And in the comments, you find this
“My spiritual guide is now free to roam. What a life. RIP Pharoah Sanders. When I was 23 - in 1995, and I had just started assisting live sound at the Knitting Factory, he was playing 2 sets a night for 5 nights. I experienced every set, some while working and some just in the audience. I have never been the same. On the opening night, after they soundchecked, everyone left, except me, and Pharoah. Pharoah went to the back to practice. He didn't know anyone else was around. I sat around the corner slumped in a hallway, and listened to him play, alone, for probably 45 minutes. It was like he told me everything I needed to know about life at that moment. I sat and smiled and cried and smiled and went places in my mind and came back... no one there... just Pharoah playing to the gods while I listened. My life was so drastically altered and opened because of Pharoah Sanders. Go find him now. He is still out there, and you can listen too, like I did. If you watch and listen to this with full attention from beginning to end, you will be elevated to a new consciousness too.”
- BrianSiskind
With all the information out there, it feels refreshing to come across people who took it seriously from the very beginning. Their dedication inspires you to do the same and naturally, to share it with others.
