Pharoah Sanders

Filmmaker Jamal Ademola documents Akua Shabaka and her mother, Rebecca Henry, the creative minds behind the acclaimed fashion label House of Aama, as they journey to Accra, Ghana, seeking solace and inspiration after the death of Akua’s father Jamaiel Shabaka. Back in Los Angeles, they reflect on their stunning past collections that weave African folklore and migration stories from across the diaspora. Their reflections culminate in Sun Records, a magnificent ode to Free Jazz. Along the way, Akua uncovers unexpected and profound truths about her father. Executive produced by Monika Navarro and EmmoLei Sankofa.

In this intimate portrait—produced for a segment of National Education Television's "Black Journal" television program—legendary jazz musician Alice Coltrane plays the harp and discusses her thoughts on music, spirituality, family, and the legacy of her late husband, John Coltrane.

A musical documentary accompaniment to the 1994 benefit compilation album concerning AIDS in the African-American community.

In the rousing finale of this spirited performance, Pharoah Sanders puts down his tenor saxophone and sings over a bubbly calypso beat. His ocean-deep baritone voice is not dissimilar to that of the great Joe Williams, but he uses it sparingly, delivering just a few choruses before starting to dance in a manner that recalls Nelson Mandela's trademark two-step. He then eases his 67-year-old frame into a hearty slow-mo twist. This is possibly not what was expected of an artist commonly perceived as an avant-garde firestarter in the mould of Albert Ayler, and a committed disciple of the final phase of John Coltrane's career in the mid-60s.

Throughout three decades, Bill Laswell has been a constant innovator, fusing seemingly disparate genres into a whole new sound. Touching upon everything from worldbeat, funk, rock, hip-hop and jazz, there are no limits to his experimental approach. Among his many talents is his ability to bring together well-matched singers and players to create a distinct style that defies easy classification. His Soundstage episode embodies his unique approach, transcending any genre boundaries and delivering an engaging performance. From the World Beat of Tabla Beat Science, to the jazzy flavors of Pharoah Sanders backed by Material, it’s an exciting mix. Other surprises include a rocking Buckethead set that includes a little breakdancing and songs by Praxis. The show culminates with an all-star performance, funked up by Bootsy Collins.

In the mid-nineties, the saxophonist was at the height of his art. Spiritual and terrestrial. To many, he remains one of the true disciples of John Coltrane. A mystic impulse that harks back to the Gnawa healer-musicians with whom he engaged in a few historic sessions. Here, we find him in the midst of that period, in an epic concert with guitarist Jean-Paul Bourelly and drummer Trilok Gurtu with his magic sticks. Tracklist: 1. Black Moon 2. Essence 3. Timetable Revolte