Promises
Pharoah Sanders · 2021
46 min · 9 tracks · jazz
A transcendent blend of free jazz and orchestral elements that unfolds like an immersive sonic meditation.
Top tracks — play these first
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Promises: Movement 1 Start here — This opening movement introduces the listener to the lush orchestral textures and Sanders’ signature saxophone sound, setting the tone for the entire album.
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Promises: Movement 6 — Movement 6 showcases an intense interplay between improvisation and orchestration, highlighting Sanders’ ability to weave emotional depth into musical abstraction.
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Promises: Movement 8 — In this movement, the gradual build-up creates an ethereal atmosphere, illustrating the symbiotic relationship between Sanders’ saxophone and the orchestral arrangements.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album's seamless flow and unique blend of jazz and orchestral elements create a distinctive and immersive experience.
What we noticed
- The album employs varying dynamics throughout, with some movements building to intense crescendos while others maintain a tranquil atmosphere.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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9/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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9/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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10/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- gradual builds and payoffs
- long immersive listening sessions
- serene contemplative atmospheres
- hypnotic rhythmic explorations
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and relevance in contemporary jazz.
- Career context
- Upon its release in March 2021, 'Promises' marked a significant collaboration for Pharoah Sanders, known for his pioneering contributions to avant-garde jazz. This album followed a long period of limited releases from Sanders, highlighting his return to the forefront of experimental music and showcasing his enduring influence as a saxophonist.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Alice Coltrane· Sun Ra· John Coltrane
Tracklist
- 1 Promises: Movement 1 Start here 6:24
- 2 Promises: Movement 2 2:31
- 3 Promises: Movement 3 2:32
- 4 Promises: Movement 4 2:31
- 5 Promises: Movement 5 4:25
- 6 Promises: Movement 6 8:50
- 7 Promises: Movement 7 9:28
- 8 Promises: Movement 8 7:22
- 9 Promises: Movement 9 2:30
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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