What makes Karma by Pharoah Sanders notable?

Karma is often hailed as a landmark album within the free jazz genre, receiving critical acclaim for its innovative sound and deep spiritual resonance. The album features the extended piece 'The Creator Has a Master Plan,' which has been recognized for its profound cultural impact and influence on future generations of musicians exploring themes of consciousness and existence. Released in May 1969, Karma marked Pharoah Sanders' third studio album, following his influential work on John Coltrane's Ascension. At this point in his career, Sanders was beginning to carve out a distinct identity within the avant-garde jazz movement, showcasing his unique approach to spirituality through music.

How many songs are on Karma?

Karma has 3 tracks, running approximately 38 minutes.

Karma

Pharoah Sanders · 1969

38 min · 3 tracks · jazz

A transcendent blend of free jazz and spiritual themes, merging intricate melodies with expansive improvisational explorations.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Creator Has a Master Plan, Part I — This nearly twenty-minute track exemplifies Sanders' signature style, weaving intricate saxophone lines with rich instrumentation that evokes both joy and introspection.
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The Creator Has a Master Plan, Part II — Continuing the exploration from Part I, this track emphasizes vocal harmonies and rhythmic complexity, deepening the spiritual narrative established earlier.
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Colors — In contrast to the sprawling pieces preceding it, this shorter track captures an essence of tranquility and reflection, showcasing Sanders' ability to evoke emotion in varied forms.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

81 /100

Summit

Higher than 100% of albums we've rated

Karma showcases intricate compositions and masterful improvisation, solidifying its place in free jazz history.

What we noticed

The album consists of three tracks, with the first two being parts of an extended piece that together span over 32 minutes.
The improvisational sections often feature a call-and-response dynamic between the saxophone and other instruments, creating a fluid conversation.
The final track, 'Colors,' introduces a more melodic and structured approach after the free-form exploration of the previous pieces.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 9/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 9/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Karma established Sanders' reputation in free jazz and showcased his innovative sound.
Themes: spiritual awakening· avant-garde improvisation· cosmic exploration
Career context: Released in May 1969, Karma marked Pharoah Sanders' third studio album, following his influential work on John Coltrane's Ascension. At this point in his career, Sanders was beginning to carve out a distinct identity within the avant-garde jazz movement, showcasing his unique approach to spirituality through music.
Stylistic neighbors: Alice Coltrane· Sun Ra· John Coltrane