Pharaoh Speaks

While being interviewed for the now-defunct Jazz & Pop magazine circa 1969, rock icon Eric Clapton was hailed as the "Pharaoh Sanders of the guitar" by his interviewer -- and Clapton was mos def touched. Tenor saxophonist Ferrell "Pharaoh" Sanders spent his college years playing in the Bay Area jazz scene alongside Sonny Simmons and Ed Kelly before relocating to New York City. There, he explored the nascent avant-garde scene with luminaries Don Cherry and Sun Ra until one 1964 night he caught the ear of John Coltrane. By '65, Sanders was a regular with Coltrane's band. Then the most controversial combo in modern jazz history, Coltrane's group jettisoned most all jazz conventions (like swing and harmony) in favor of unrestrained, full-bore freedom with Sanders' and 'Trane's saxophones gone literally primal scream. (Their influence reached beyond jazz, affecting proto-punks the Stooges and Suicide and New Zealand experimentalists The Dead C.)

Related Content

• Sunday: Jazz Royal McCoy Tyner Showcases Coltrane at Herbst Theatre
  October 17, 2011
• Dancing in the Streets
  February 23, 2011
• Salva Channels the Spirit of Sun Ra for New Video 'Weeeird Science'
  February 22, 2011
• Blaze Away with Sea Lions' Joyously Stoned Debut Album
  November 3, 2011
• Live Review, 2/2/12: Shabazz Palaces Mellow Out Yoshi's
  February 3, 2012

More About

• Pharaoh Sanders
• John Coltrane
• Eric Clapton
• Arts, Entertainment, and Media
• Bebop

Like this Story?

Sign up for the Events Newsletter: What's happening in town? From underground club nights to the biggest outdoor festivals, our top picks for the week's best events will always keep you in on the action.

Privacy Policy Cancel Continue

After 'Trane's passing in 1967, Sanders formed his own ensembles, tempering his extreme approach with engaging Afro-Latin rhythms and melodies and an Aquarian mindset. Sanders' tenor (and soprano) took on more lyrical manner and a somewhat gentler hue, but without ever mellowing out. He's recorded in contexts free and funky, churned out hard bop and cross-cultural world music, and worked with eclectic producer Bill Laswell. In the New Year, Sanders returns home for an extended run.
Jan. 3-5, 8 & 10 p.m., 2008