About

Violinist and composer Michael White was among the first to play the violin in avant-garde jazz, and became one of the first jazz violinists to play jazz rock fusion. During his career, he played with Sun Ra, McCoy Tyner, Eric Dolphy, Pharoah Sanders and others. — (via Label)

This ground-breaking jazz violinist demands much from his listeners, opening with a difficult Afro-jazz symphony. He finds a groove after that, helped by four female singers who augment the basic quartet. The leader shares the spotlight, too much considering his jazz violin is what makes this album noteworthy. — (via AllMusic)

While not a household name, you’ve likely heard Michael White’s avant-garde violin playing on spiritual jazz classics like Pharoah Sanders’ Thembi, John Coltrane’s Infinity, and Joe Henderson & Alice Coltrane’s The Elements. Pneuma is White’s debut on Impulse! and goes even deeper than the previously mentioned albums, leading with a five part Afro-jazz symphony featuring the great Kenneth Nash on percussion. It’s heavy listening with sweeping dissonance, but resolves fantastically with “The Blessing Song,” a beautiful spiritual jazz groover anchored by four singers praising, “Lord, come into our hearts with a blessing. Lord, come into our hearts with your love.”  — (via In Sheeps Clothing Hi Fi)

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Label: Impulse!
Series: University Series Of Fine Recordings
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue, 180 gram
Reissued: 2022 / Original: 1972
Genre: Jazz
Style: Free Jazz, Vocals, Modal

File under: Jazz
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