Sanders Soars With Inspirations

Saxophonist Pharoah Sanders is inextricably associated with the avant-garde jazz era of the ‘60s. And with good cause. Of the many who followed the path established by the decade’s most influential figure--John Coltrane--Sanders, more than many, found a way to carry the creative innovations of the era into succeeding years.

And Tuesday at Catalina Bar & Grill, in the first set of a six-night run, he underscored that connection by opening with a 30-minute-plus improvised excursion simmering with references to “My Favorite Things.”

The opening segment--a long, vocalized passage articulated over floating textures of sound generated by pianist William Henderson, bassist Robert Hurst, drummer Ralph Penland and singer Dwight Tribble--was reminiscent of the raga-establishing alap in Indian music, a reference point for both Coltrane and Sanders. A series of extended solos followed, with Sanders’ jigsaw of sounds and textures providing the high point, a kaleidoscopic display of honks, squeals, roars, multiphonics and virtually every other imaginable sound that can be generated from a tenor saxophone.

Sanders moved forward from that point with a set that seemed oriented toward covering the numerous other stylistic elements contributing to his musical growth. A second tune emphasized harmonic improvising, and a third featured Tribble’s splendidly versatile voice in a ballad performance reminiscent of Johnny Hartman’s work with Coltrane.

Finally, Sanders turned to the blues for a closer, in a kind of reverse order balancing with the freely improvised opening number. And here, perhaps unconsciously, he revealed some intriguing connections between the honking and squealing of the gut-bucket, blues tenor style and the use-every-sound-possible qualities of avant-garde improvising. Unexpected connections, for sure, but a brief, revelatory insight into some of the deep songlines that seem to connect every form of improvised music.

The programs Sanders comes up with for the rest of the week will no doubt take many different tacks. He is not an artist who allows himself to be locked in any single mode. But whatever this gifted, veteran player chooses will undoubtedly be well worth hearing.

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* The Pharoah Sanders Quartet with guest Dwight Tribble at Catalina Bar & Grill through Sunday. 1640 N. Cahuenga Blvd., (323) 466-2210. $18 cover tonight at 8:30 and 10. $20 cover Friday and Saturday at 8:30 p.m. and Sunday at 7 p.m. $18 cover Friday and Saturday at 10:30 p.m. and Sunday at 9 p.m. Two-drink minimum.