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Africa is an album led by saxophonist Pharoah Sanders recorded in 1987 and released on the Dutch Timeless label.[1]

Africa
Studio album by Pharoah Sanders
Released	1987
Recorded	March 11, 1987
Studio	Studio 44, Monster, Netherlands
Genre	Jazz
Length	56:59
Label	Timeless SJP 253
Producer	Wim Wigt
Pharoah Sanders chronology
Shukuru (1985) Africa (1987) Oh Lord, Let Me Do No Wrong (1987)

Reception

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic	[2]
The Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings	[3]
Tom Hull – on the Web	A–[4]

In his review for AllMusic, Steve Loewy commented: "Most will probably prefer the original Coltrane to Sanders' imitations, but Africa is nonetheless a joyous and worthy tribute to one of the giants of jazz. This album marked somewhat of a backtrack for the saxophonist, as he had frequently become identified with much more traditional playing".[2]

The authors of The Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings called the recording "Lovely, lovely stuff," and noted the "change of label and... deliciously stripped-down personnel." They stated that Lundy "fits in with Hicks like jigsaw pieces, a rich, contoured sound that prompts the wonder that Sanders ever wants to work in any other context."[3]

Matt Fripp of Jazz Fuel included the album in his selection of "Ten Iconic Pharoah Sanders Albums," and wrote: "Sanders is able to tame the wilder musical excesses of his youth in favour of a simple, melodically inspired approach."[5]

Track listing

All compositions by Pharoah Sanders except as indicated

1. "You've Got to Have Freedom" – 10:01
2. "Naima" (John Coltrane) – 5:26
3. "Origin" – 6:50
4. "Speak Low" (Kurt Weill, Ogden Nash) – 8:04
5. "After The Morning" (John Hicks) – 6:29
6. "Africa" – 8:20
7. "Heart to Heart" – 7:17 Bonus track on CD reissue
8. "Duo" – 4:32 Bonus track on CD reissue

Personnel

• Pharoah Sanders – tenor saxophone
• John Hicks – piano
• Curtis Lundy – bass
• Idris Muhammad – drums

References

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