Moon Child (Hol)

Recorded in France in 1989, Sanders plays here with an all-star line-up consisting of Stafford James on bass, William Henderson on piano and Eddie Moore on drums. Great percussion work from Cheikh Tidiane Fale, particularly on "Moon Rays", and as always Sanders' sax work is rich, full and throaty. On this album, the legendary saxophonist clearly reinvented himself as a more traditional improviser, capable of thoughtful and pensive deliberations. Catchy mystical New Age vocals and astrological references. Pharoah may remain an acquired taste, but few jazzmen can equal his unique formula of mastering the 'groove'. Saxophonist Ornette Coleman described him as "Probably The Best Tenor Player In The World".