It’s Harvest Time

The lead sheet for “Harvest Time,” written by Pharoah Sanders.

It’s Harvest Time. 

When people think of Pharoah Sanders Pharoah, his seminal album from 1977, they often think of this piece of music. It’s simple in its composition, but its simplicity is where it derives its power: Over two chords, which are almost like a chant or a mantra, Pharoah quietly prays.

Pharoah is going to be out worldwide this Friday (that’s tomorrow!)—and for the first time since a small run of records was pressed in 1977, everyone will be able to hear it. Just in time for harvest time. 

The reviews are starting to come in: Télérama is calling it “superbe” — and the New York Times is calling it “a touchstone.”

Pharoah wrote this lead sheet some forty-six years ago, and left it in the care of his then-wife Bedria Sanders. In some ways, it’s symbolic of what Pharoah was always generously doing with his music—giving it to people. Harvest Time belongs to you too.

Pharoah is out September 15.