Pharoah Sanders, a titan of free jazz and hard bop, delivers a captivating live performance with "Beyond A Dream," recorded at the prestigious Montreux Jazz Festival on July 22, 1978. This album, released on January 1, 1981, under the Arista/Legacy label, is a testament to Sanders' mastery and his ability to push the boundaries of jazz.
The five-track album, spanning 44 minutes, is a journey through Sanders' innovative soundscapes. It opens with the powerful "Babylon," a track that showcases his signature free jazz style, followed by the title track "Beyond A Dream," which blends hard bop elements with Sanders' distinctive tenor saxophone phrasing. "Montreux Overture" is a standout, offering a dynamic and intricate composition that highlights Sanders' virtuosity. The album continues with "The End Of The Beginning," a track that exemplifies his ability to create complex, yet accessible, jazz. The album concludes with "Casino Latino," a lively and rhythmic piece that leaves the listener wanting more.
Sanders' performance at Montreux is not just a display of technical skill, but also a deep exploration of jazz's expressive potential. "Beyond A Dream" is a must-experience for any jazz enthusiast, offering a glimpse into the mind of one of the genre's most influential figures.
Vinylscout