Pharoah Sanders has joined the ancestors.

Just saw the notice that jazz saxophonist Pharoah Sanders passed away this morning. The New York Times music critic Jon Pareles reports:

Pharoah Sanders, a saxophonist and composer who was celebrated for music that was at once visceral and spiritual, purposeful and ecstatic, died on Saturday in Los Angeles. He was 81. His death was announced in a statement by the recording company Luaka Bop, which did not specify the cause.

The sound Mr. Sanders drew from his tenor saxophone was a force of nature: burly, throbbing and encompassing, steeped in deep blues and drawing on extended technique to create shrieking harmonics and imposing multiphonics. He could sound fierce or anguished; he could also sound kindly and welcoming. He gained wide recognition as a member of John Coltrane’s groups from 1965 to 1967 and went on to a fertile, prolific career, with dozens of albums and decades of performances.

Mr. Sanders played free jazz, jazz standards, upbeat Caribbean-tinged tunes and African- and Indian-rooted incantations such as “The Creator Has a Master Plan,” the first half of his 1969 album “Karma,” a pinnacle of devotional free jazz. He recorded widely as both leader and collaborator, working with Alice Coltrane, McCoy Tyner, Randy Weston, Leon Thomas, Joey DeFrancesco and many others.

We are devastated to share that Pharoah Sanders has passed away. He died peacefully surrounded by loving family and friends in Los Angeles earlier this morning. Always and forever the most beautiful human being, may he rest in peace. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/pddaztyTLi

— Luaka Bop (@LuakaBop) September 24, 2022

Pharoah Sanders Sun Ra Arkestra alumnus has departed this planet.
Oct 13 1940 - Sept 24 2022 Deepest Condolescences to all family and friends... He will be greatly missed. pic.twitter.com/49kNgYqu4g

— Sun Ra Arkestra (@SunRaUniverse) September 24, 2022

Rest in power and peace Pharoah.