Pharoah Sanders - Thembi (lp)

PHAROAH SANDERS

This record is a true work of love, and a very easy work to fall in love with. There is so much beauty here, moments of tension and relaxation. But above all it must be pointed out that Cecil McBee's bass solo, the track called "love" is simply put, the greatest thing I have ever heard performed on the instrument. The first half is arabic, playing what sound very much like Yemeni Oud scales on a standup bass! Incredible! Then he busts out his bow, and starts modulating these harmonics up and down the neck, similar to George Crumb, sounding like a cello being played through a flanger. This solo alone is worth getting the disk for, but it just so happens that the rest of the music is also of the highest quality.

Price: $30.98