"Pure Pleasure Records has released a re-mastered 180-gram vinyl of the Theresa Records 1981 album Shukuru. It is a diverse tapestry of musical expression, with a mainstream approach. Side A opens with the ethereal title cut. Against a deliberate, slow groove and synthesizers (William Henderson), Sanders invokes a ruminative, melodic lead. The arrangement is atmospheric and in some ways, hypnotic. Maintaining traditional structure, “Body And Soul” (a perennial jazz standard for saxophonists) is classic balladry with a gentle flow. Sanders fluid, crisp saxophone (with limited vibrato at the end) captures the inherent slow-burning intensity, but the lush arrangement (with synthesized vocals) is spacious. Henderson adds textured solo on piano featuring chords and right hand notation. In a shift of mood and tone, vocalist Leon Thomas brings a Caribbean vibe to the festive “Has In Brooklyn (Highlife)”. The jaunty countenance and falsetto are infectious and the arrangement glows with warmth. Thomas’ unique vocals are at the core of “Sun Song”, which feels like a Latin-infused reverie, infusing a steady, relaxing pulse. Sanders’ gossamer run is understated and embraces the melodic essence of the song.
Taking another page from Coltrane, Sanders breathes new life int the popular standard “Too Young To Go Steady”. With a deep sensitivity, the angst of young love is translated perfectly. Henderson’s thoughtful piano is kindred to the spirit of the song. In a flourishing opening provided by Henderson, “Jitu” swings. The aggressive waltz-time tempo provides a cohesive structure for Sanders’ passionate offering. There is a distinctive swing tempo and the unusual, layered vocalese, with Henderson percolating on another memorable solo. Idris Muhammad executes a couple of well-timedrum fills. “For Big George’ makes its first appearance on vinyl. This is a plaintive statement, with mournful tenor shading and feathery synthesizers. It is quintessential spiritual jazz, with Leon Thomas adding his distinctive baritone voice.
Shukuru is another compelling album from a true jazz visionary. There are nuanced layers and motifs on every track. The re-mastered sound mix is excellent with balanced stereo separation." - Robbie Gerson
Phaoah Sanders' "Shukuru" is noteworthy as being the album that reunited Sanders with vocalist Leon Thomas, who sang on some of Sanders' most endearing and powerful compositions-- among them the legendary "The Creator Has a Masterplan".
Thomas only joins the band on two tracks-- "Mas in Brooklyn (Highlife)" and "Sun Song". The former gets a full calypso reading complete with steel drum sounds and chanted vocals traded between Sanders and Thomas. It's a lot of fun, but by and large, throwaway. The latter is one of the true gems on the album-- a pretty ballad that serves as both a launching point for Sanders' best balladry and Thomas' vocal, with the latter soaring in his upper register wordlessly between verses intoned in his trademark baritone. It's by and large simply stunning.
The opener "Shukuru" and closing funereal piece "For Big George" are spared this as the use of synths of them are far more tasteful (although one questions Sanders' choice to intone his wife's name over the former's smokey lines, but that's another story). Vine Voice
Tracklist:
A1 Shukuru
A2 Body And Soul
A3 Mas In Brooklyn (Highlife)
A4 Sun Song
B1 Too Young To Go Steady
B2 Jitu
B3 For Big George (first vinyl release of this track)
Bass – Ray Drummond
Drums – Idris Muhammad
Tenor Saxophone, Producer – Pharoah Sanders
Vocals – Leon Thomas (tracks: A3, B1), Pharoah Sanders (tracks: A1, A3)
