Rejoice

Description

Re-mastering by: Cicely Baston at Alchemy/Air Mastering, Lyndhurst Hall, London

A two-LP set on Theresa, Rejoice features Pharoah Sanders in excellent form in 1981. Sanders sounds much more mellow than he had a decade earlier, often improvising in a style similar to late-50s John Coltrane, particularly on When Lights Are Low, Moments Notice, and Central Park West. The personnel changes on many of the selections and includes such top players as pianists Joe Bonner and John Hicks, bassist Art Davis, drummers Elvin Jones and Billy Higgins, vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson, trombonist Steve Turre, trumpeter Danny Moore, a harpist, and (on Origin and Central Park West) five vocalists. The music always holds ones interest, making this one of Sanders better later recordings. Scott Yanow/AMG

COLTRANES classic Moments Notice is a complete gas! Sanders like Coltrane, pulls and holds attention with his entrances. Bobby Hutchersons and Hicks solos are heated and models of vivid imagination. The three put forth some of the very best solos in the entire album.

Then theres the arresting new talent introduced here -GEORGE V JOHNSON JR., whose marvelous lyrics and vocal work are truly auspicious! He sings with James Moody on occassion and is happily remindful of the insistent giftness of the late EDDIE JEFFERSON. Johnsons three stanzers close with Relax dig the sounds of Coltranes Music. Coltrane fills your heart with love and harmony. Trane played with magic. Listen to the melodies and you will see momently. When you here the message of his song!. Theres no doubt in my mind that henceforth George V Johnson should and will be sought for his own gift to the music. He sang the song for Sanders at the Village Vanguard, and Sanders felt that George ought to be you, Pharoah Sanders for Sharing. by Herb Wong

Personnel:
Tenor saxophone, Pharoah Sanders
Bass, Art Davis (tracks: A1, C1 to D1)
Trombone, Steve Turre (tracks: C1 to D1)
Trumpet, Danny Moore (tracks: C1 to D1)
Vibraphone, Bobby Hutcherson (tracks: A1, C1, C3)
Vocalese, Vocals George V. Johnson Jr.
Piano, Joe Bonner (tracks: A1 to B2, D2, D3), John Hicks (tracks: C1 to D1)
Drums, Billy Higgins (tracks: C1 to D1), Elvin Jones

Engineers Jason Corsaro, Larry Kronen, Mark Needham

Producer Pharoah Sanders

Producer [Assistant] Allen Pittman