The fifth release in the Live At Fabrik Hamburg series on Jazzline—in collaboration with the legendary venue and NDR Kultur—captures an electrifying quartet performance led by multi-instrumentalist Pharoah Sanders, recorded on June 6, 1980. Available as double LP (Clear 180-gram vinyl, gatefold sleeve).
Pharoah Sanders is hailed as a pioneer of free jazz. Raised in Arkansas, he began with clarinet and drums before moving to tenor saxophone. After studying music in California, he relocated to New York in 1961, where he initially joined forces with Sun Ra—who gave him his iconic name—and later became a key member of John Coltrane’s legendary quintet. It was during this period that Sanders co-wrote the spiritual jazz anthem "The Creator Has A Masterplan", which is also featured in this live recording. Renowned for his raw, intensely expressive saxophone style, Sanders expanded the boundaries of jazz with overblowing techniques and circular breathing, forging entirely new sonic territories across more than 30 albums. His influence extended far beyond jazz, touching generations of musicians across genres. This historic 1980 concert—the earliest recording in the Live At Fabrik Hamburg series—presents Sanders at his powerful best, fronting a stellar quartet with John Hicks (piano), Curtis Lundy (bass), and Idris Muhammad (drums). The performance took place during what was then known as the New Jazz Festival—a landmark gathering of leading German, European, and American jazz artists. A vital document of a visionary artist, recorded live in one of Europe’s most iconic jazz clubs.
