Sanders' performance at Jazz Middelheim in 1977 was a landmark moment in avant-garde jazz, capturing his artistic evolution. We proudly relive this standout event with a tribute featuring The Harvest Time Experiment, led by original guitarist Tisziji Muñoz and music director Joshua Abrams.

As the second stop on a brief European tour following the release of his seminal album Pharoah, the 1977 performance unveiled a deeply experimental and spiritually resonant side of Sanders. The album became one of his most beloved works, its creative tensions only adding to its mystique and cult status.

For many European audiences, who knew him as the proverbial son of John Coltrane, his emergence as a bandleader was a striking departure from expectations. Though tied to Coltrane's legacy, Sanders refused to inherit the mantle. His music had evolved from the free jazz "fire music" of the 1960s into a more spiritual, ambient sound—a continuation of the explorations hinted at in A Love Supreme rather than the aggressive intensity of Ascension or Sun Ship.

During this iconic show, Sanders and his ensemble—including Clifford Jarvis, Hayes Burnett (both with ties to Sun Ra's band), and pianist Khalid Moss—revisited Harvest Time. The live rendition diverged significantly from the recorded version, showcasing the unpredictable, improvisational spirit that defined Sanders' artistry.

The recent remastering and reissue, bundled in a comprehensive box set by Luaka Bop in 2023, preserves that pivotal evening at Jazz Middelheim and stands as a lasting testament to Sanders' enduring influence on the evolution of jazz.

The Harvest Time Experiment is an ever-evolving, live exploration that embodies Sanders' fearless spirit, blending past and present to create something fresh and unexpected.

Each performance features Tisziji Muñoz, whose soaring guitar defined the original Pharoah album, and Joshua Abrams, whose deep, hypnotic grooves steer the musical direction. Together, they guide a stellar collective of artists, continuing Sanders' tradition of boundary-pushing improvisation.

These previously unpublished photos from 1977, taken by Rob Miseur, are courtesy of Centro Studi A. Polillo - Siena Jazz.

Catch The Harvest Time Experiment at Park Den Brandt on Saturday, June 7, alongside acts such as Dee Dee Bridgewater, Amaro Freitas, Gotts Street Park, Emma-Jean Thackray, The Gallands ft. Selah Sue & DJ Grazzhoppa, and many more.