PROMISES FLOATING POINTS & PHAROAH SANDERS

The album Promises is a celestial collaboration that brings together the legendary saxophonist Pharoah Sanders, British producer and composer Sam Shepherd (Floating Points), and the London Symphony Orchestra. This nine-movement piece is a testament to Sanders' adaptability and his ability to create beautiful art under various circumstances, making it a clear late-career masterpiece.

Promises begins with a gentle, seven-note refrain played by what seems to be a harpsichord, repeating every nine seconds and forming the backbone of the piece. The music ebbs and flows between silence and crescendos, with Sanders' warm tone and fluid technique weaving through the composition, creating a tapestry of sound that is both quiet and earth-shaking.

Throughout its emotional 46 minutes, Promises stirs deep feelings. Sanders' playing is clarion and melodic, hovering near the central cluster of notes without being bound to it. His solos convey both melancholy and hope, while his wordless vocalizations add an intimate, human touch to the piece. The London Symphony Orchestra complements Sanders beautifully, with strings that add both softness and intensity, creating a psychedelic and spacey atmosphere.

The album's structure allows each movement to unfold organically, with each sound existing in relation to the central refrain. The combination of Sanders' horn, Shepherd's synthesizer drones, and the orchestral elements creates a sense of seeing a planet spinning on its axis from orbit—a profound and awe-inspiring experience.

In its entirety, Promises is an emotional journey that requires time and space to fully appreciate. The continuous nature of the piece is central to its impact, and Sanders' playing remains as emotionally powerful as ever, making this collaboration a clear masterpiece in his illustrious career.