Pharoah Sanders Found His Voice in New York City

Sanders, a wandering spirit who died at the age of 81 on Saturday, maintained an easygoing nature well into his golden years. Known as a spiritual jazz pioneer alongside saxophonists John Coltrane and Albert Ayler, his style centered piercing shrieks that divided critics and listeners who bad-mouthed his atonal wails and frenetic rhythmic structure. But Sanders always held true to his vision, releasing several albums that merged the textures of jazz, soul, and gospel, amassing a fan base of equally adventurous listeners who felt the introspective aspects of his work.