Sahara (McCoy Tyner album)
Sahara is a 1972 album by jazz pianist McCoy Tyner, his first to be released on the Milestone label. It was recorded in January 1972 and features performances by Tyner with Sonny Fortune, Calvin Hill, and Alphonse Mouzon. The music shows African and Eastern influences and features Tyner playing koto, flute, and percussion in addition to his usual piano.[4]
Sahara | ||||
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Studio album by | ||||
Released | July 1972[1] | |||
Recorded | January 1972 | |||
Studio | Decca Recording Studio, New York City | |||
Genre | Jazz | |||
Length | 47:55 | |||
Label | Milestone MSP 9039 | |||
Producer | Orrin Keepnews | |||
McCoy Tyner chronology | ||||
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Review scores | |
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Source | Rating |
Allmusic | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
The Rolling Stone Jazz Record Guide | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Reception
The Allmusic review by Brian Olewnick states "Tyner would go on to create several fine albums in the mid-'70s, but never again would he scale quite these heights. Sahara is an astonishingly good record and belongs in every jazz fan's collection".[2] The album is considered Tyner's commercial breakthrough. It sold over 100,000 copies and was nominated for two Grammys.[5] It is also often considered Tyner's best album.[2]
Track listing
All compositions by McCoy Tyner
- "Ebony Queen" — 9:00
- "A Prayer for My Family" — 4:48
- "Valley of Life" — 5:19
- "Rebirth" — 5:20
- "Sahara" — 23:27
Personnel
- McCoy Tyner - piano, koto (3), percussion (5), flute (5)
- Sonny Fortune - alto saxophone (4), soprano saxophone (1, 5), flute (3, 5)
- Calvin Hill - bass, reeds (3, 5), percussion (3, 5)
- Alphonse Mouzon - drums, trumpet (5), reeds (5), percussion (3, 5)
References
- Billboard July 29, 1972
- Olewnick, Brian. "Sahara". Allmusic. Retrieved February 7, 2012.
- Swenson, J., ed. (1985). The Rolling Stone Jazz Record Guide. USA: Random House/Rolling Stone. p. 194. ISBN 0-394-72643-X.
- "Sahara - Credits". Allmusic. Retrieved February 7, 2012.
- Santosuosso, Ernie (March 15, 1984). "1984 Boston Globe Jazz Festival; McCoy Tyner". The Boston Globe. p. 1. Retrieved February 7, 2012.