The Trance of Seven Colors
A field recording in Morocco with the Gnawa master Maleem Mahmoud Guinia and his family.
Pharoah Sanders, 1994
- Released
- 1994
- Recorded
- 1 to 3 June 1994
- Studio
- House of the Caid Khoubane, Medina of Essaouira, Morocco
- Label
- Axiom, Island
- Producer
- Bill Laswell
- Type
- collaboration
The Trance of Seven Colors is led by the Gnawa musician Maleem Mahmoud Guinia, with Sanders on tenor saxophone. It was recorded from 1 to 3 June 1994 at the house of the Caid Khoubane in the Medina of Essaouira, Morocco, and released by Axiom and Island. Guinia sings lead and plays guimbri and tbel, and the ensemble is largely made up of members of his family. Sanders wrote Peace In Essaouira, dedicated to Sonny Sharrock, and shares the credit for the opening track with Guinia.
The title refers to the Gnawa trance ceremony, which can last eight or more hours, in which the master musician guides the group through the invocation of seven mluk, each with its own color, rhythm and incense. Chris May of All About Jazz called the album outstanding and wrote that it is a field recording, pure and simple.
Track listing
- La Allah Dayim Moulenah11:10
- Bala Moussaka3:54
- Hamdouchi9:07
- Peace In Essaouira (For Sonny Sharrock)7:23
- Boulandi Samawi13:56
- Moussa Berkiyo / Koubaliy Beriah La'Foh4:34
- Salat Anbi8:17
- Casa Casa Atougra5:05
- Marhaba7:48
Personnel
- Maleem Mahmoud Guinia guimbri, lead vocal, tbel
- Pharoah Sanders tenor saxophone
More from Pharoah Sanders
Pharoah's First (1965), Tauhid (1967), Karma (1969), Deaf Dumb Blind (Summun Bukmun Umyun) (1970), Thembi (1971), Live at the East (1972), Pharoah (1977), Promises (2021), Jewels of Thought, Black Unity
Sources
- The Trance of Seven Colors, Wikipedia