Pharoah's First cover

Pharoah's First

Pharoah Sanders · 1965

62 min · 10 tracks · free jazz

Experimental free jazz explorations intertwine spiritual themes with avant-garde improvisation and rich tonal textures.

Why this album works

Best for
extended improvisations that unfold spiritual themes interwoven throughout wave-like pacing for deep listening
Context
Released in 1965, 'Pharoah's First' marked Pharoah Sanders' debut album, establishing him as a significant voice in the free jazz movement. At this point, he was fresh from collaborations with John Coltrane, which helped shape his innovative approach to improvisation and spirituality in music.
If you like
free jazz

Pharoah's First is an album by Pharoah Sanders, released in 1965. Experimental free jazz explorations intertwine spiritual themes with avant-garde improvisation and rich tonal textures. 'Pharoah's First' is notable for its bold departure from traditional jazz structures and its embrace of free-form expression. The album received critical acclaim for its adventurous sound, influencing generations of musicians within the jazz community and beyond. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Pharoah's First sound like?

Experimental free jazz explorations intertwine spiritual themes with avant-garde improvisation and rich tonal textures. Rooted in free jazz.

What makes Pharoah's First by Pharoah Sanders notable?

'Pharoah's First' is notable for its bold departure from traditional jazz structures and its embrace of free-form expression. The album received critical acclaim for its adventurous sound, influencing generations of musicians within the jazz community and beyond. Released in 1965, 'Pharoah's First' marked Pharoah Sanders' debut album, establishing him as a significant voice in the free jazz movement. At this point, he was fresh from collaborations with John Coltrane, which helped shape his innovative approach to improvisation and spirituality in music.

Who is Pharoah's First for?

Pharoah's First works well if you're into extended improvisations that unfold, spiritual themes interwoven throughout and wave-like pacing for deep listening.

How many songs are on Pharoah's First?

Pharoah's First has 10 tracks, running approximately 62 minutes.

Tracklist

10 tracks·62:35

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Seven by Seven Standout 26:20
  • 2 Bethera Standout 23:40
  • 3 Bernard Stollman Meets Pharoah 0:57
  • 4 Coming to New York 0:28
  • 5 Meeting Sun Ra 1:23
  • 6 Meeting John Coltrane Standout 2:11
  • 7 Comments on Other Musicians 1:52
  • 8 Playing With Don Cherry 2:15
  • 9 The Scene 1:18
  • 10 Why the Music Changes 2:11

Release Date

January 1, 1965

Genre

free jazz

More albums in free jazz

Artist Origin

United States

Runtime

62 min 35 sec