Impulse! / RE 2024 / Lp, Reissue, Unofficial Release, Stereo, Gatefold, 180 gram
Thembi, the seventh album by spiritual jazz saxophonist Pharoah Sanders, was released in 1971 and marked a shift from the long, mantra-like grooves he had been known for, offering instead a collection of shorter, more concise ideas. Recorded with two ensembles, the album is considered unique in Sanders' prime period. It was the last collaboration with pianist Lonnie Liston Smith, who began experimenting with electric keyboards on this record. Other featured musicians include violinist Michael White, bassist Cecil McBee, and percussionists Chief Bey, Majid Shabbaz, and Nat Bettis. Steve Huey from AllMusic rated the album four out of five stars.