Pharoah Sanders at Yoshis Oakland

[EyeSpeech]

I saw Pharoah Sanders a few weeks ago at Yoshi's Oakland. First time catching him perform live, but I'd like to share a story about my experience that night. Usually when you eat at Yoshi's before the show, they reserve good seats for you in the theater. This time, however, they stuck me and my fiancee all the way in the back. I don't like the PA system in there, and was a bit disappointed when Sanders started playing.

Suddenly the floor manager appeared at my table and asked how many in my party. He asked if we wanted better seats and led us directly front and center, practically at the feet of Sanders himself to a table with another couple and two empty seats. Keep in mind this is in a theater with a couple hundred tables. It was like winning the lottery. I got to hear the music without the PA system gumming it up, and the man himself doing his thing right in front of me. On top of all that, a huge plate of sushi was brought to our table, and the other couple invited my fiancee and I to partake. Amazing evening. I'll never forget it.

Often there is something magical about Yoshi's above and beyond the joy of seeing such great performers.

Edited February 24, 2011 by EyeSpeech

[sidewinder]

Nice story ! Always good when something like that happens (rare in my experience). Sanders and his band are appearing at Cheltenham, UK in a few months time and I'm tempted to catch the show.

[EyeSpeech]

His band and his playing are in peak form, so I'd recommend it. Very tasteful soloing, occasionally veering into the characteristic squonking and screetching and bellowing into the bell of his horn. He keeps plenty of odd bells and trinkets around him, which he uses to good effect.

If you get the chance to clear your sinuses out with some wasabi while hearing him erupt into a solo, I'd recommend it. There aren't many experiences like it!