Alice Coltrane & Pharoah Sanders

The Profile

American spiritual jazz collaboration between harpist/pianist Alice Coltrane and saxophonist Pharoah Sanders, best known for Journey in Satchidananda (1971).

Alice Coltrane (1937–2007) was an American pianist and harpist; Pharoah Sanders (1940–2022) was an American saxophonist. Their collaboration is renowned for Journey in Satchidananda (Impulse!, 1971), which includes the piece “Something About John Coltrane” and a live recording captured on July 4, 1970 at the Village Gate in New York.

A lyrical review of Journey in Satchidananda traces Alice Coltrane’s turn toward spiritual, modal forms and the duo’s transcendent interplay. It evokes harp and tambura drones, Sanders’ sax, and meditative cycles. The piece recalls Alice’s encounter with Swami Satchidananda and a live track recorded at the Village Gate on July 4, 1970. A serene yet intense homage that links personal loss, spiritual renewal, and musical experimentation.