In 2021 an exceptional album worthy of everyone’s ears and REM cycles was released into the world. British electronic artist, DJ and musician Floating Points teamed up with legendary saxophonist Pharoah Sanders and the incredible string section of the London Symphony Orchestra to deliver a project unlike any other coming out of the Pandemic. An album that seems to be designed for one sole purpose: transcendence.
During the time of the album’s release I had been working as an assistant over at Music Millennium and if you’re familiar with the layout of the longest running record store in the PNW then you’ll know that there are more than one sound system in that building playing a variety of different sounds for their customers. However, this album’s release was so impactful and soothing for an unprecedented time and an uncertain future.
For context, this album has 9 movements of the same idea. In it’s entirety it’s a masterpiece walking you along a loop of emotions, breaths of silence, trickles of wonder, and Pharoah Sanders holding your hand through it on the saxophone. It’s a joy of a record but also intense. I recommend being horizontal and intentional about experiencing this album.
If you can imagine hearing an album so many times that you can distinguish which of the 9 movements is playing in a certain area of the store. While being vertical and on the clock, I certainly wasn’t either of those things. I was above it all when that album played and when I found time to sleep to this album I believe I discovered what gratefulness truly meant. May Pharoah Sanders forever be seen as vital as sleep is to the human body and soul.