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The Gondwana Orchestra: Colors

By Matt Hooke
November 7, 2018
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Saxophonist and composer

Pharoah Sanders

saxophone, tenor
1940 - 2022

" data-original-title="" title="">Pharoah Sanders is often imitated but, never matched. His spiritual free-floating style, marked by his distinctive tenor saxophone tone makes him instantly recognizable. On Colors, the Gondwana Orchestra does not attempt to mimic the master, as the album does not include a single saxophonist. Instead of saxophone, the focus is on pianist

Taz Modi

keyboards

" data-original-title="" title="">Taz Modi and vocalist

Dwight Trible

vocals

" data-original-title="" title="">Dwight Trible. The lack of saxophone gives the band more room to make Sanders music their own, making Colors a true tribute album, instead of an imitation album.

Bandleader and trumpet player

Matthew Halsall

trumpet

" data-original-title="" title="">Matthew Halsall plays with the arrangements and makes these classic songs in a way that would have been impossible with a great saxophonist impersonating Sanders. The songs have great dynamic contrast, often starting with Modi on a piano introduction, before the band kicks everything into high gear. The group's ability to get in the pocket is second to none and creates a steady groove for soloists. Trible, who performed with Sanders, plays the role of late singer

Leon Thomas

vocals
1937 - 1999

" data-original-title="" title="">Leon Thomas, who most notably collaborated with Sanders on the classic "The Creator Has A Master Plan." His deep voice, emotional vocals, and inventive scatting add great energy to the music. Trible's impact is most felt when he solos with Halsell on "You've Got to Have Freedom." as the contrasting tone and phrasing of the two musicians pop out and contrast beautifully. Colors is a fine tribute to one of the more unique voices in jazz, and the chemistry between the orchestra and Trible begs for more collaborations between the two artists.

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Track Listing

Colors (Feat. Dwight Trible); The Creator has a Master Plan (Feat. Dwight Trible); Love is Everywhere (Feat. Dwight Trible);

Personnel

Gondawana Orchestra (feat. Dwight Trible

Taz Modi Piano; Gavin Barras Bass; Jon Scott Drums; Rachel Gladwin Harp; Matthew Halsall Trumpet; Dwight Trible Vocals.

Album information

Title: Colors | Year Released: 2018 | Record Label: Gondwana Records

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