Gondwana Records Celebrates 10 Years with New Spiritual Jazz Series
To help celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Manchester-based Gondwana Records, the label is putting out a collection of limited-edition spiritual jazz releases. As a part of this series, the label has just released two incredible records featuring the Gondwana Orchestra, including a new EP paying tribute to legendary saxophonist Pharaoh Sanders with special guest LA-based vocalist Dwight Trible (taking on the parts originally sung by jazz/blues great Leon Thomas), and a much needed repress of the group’s tribute single to jazz great and spiritual icon Alice Coltrane.
While both records feature slightly different make-ups of the Gondwana Orchestra, they both feature Gondwana label founder and trumpeter Matthew Halsell, as well as pianist Taz Modi, and bassist Gavin Barras.
The Colors EP features remakes of some of Phaorah Sanders’ greatest works, including the title track “Colors,” “Love is Everywhere,” “You’ve Got To Have Freedom,” and arguably the saxophonists’ most signature track “The Creator Has A Master Plan.”
Originally released in 2015, and up until now long out-of-print, the twelve-inch single features the Halsell and company performing two of Alice Coltrane’s most notable compositions including the 1971 classic “Journey in Satchidananda” and “Blue Nile” from her 1970 masterpiece recording Ptah, The El Daoud. Both tracks also originally featured Pharoah Sanders as well.
Overall, this is an exciting new series that features great new renditions of classic material by two of the most iconic spiritual jazz artists, while celebrating one of the most cutting edge and leading labels in jazz today.
The Gondwana Orchestra (feat. Dwight Trible)
Colors EP
