McCoy Tyner ‎– Sahara (1972)

Sahara is an album by American post-bop pianist McCoy Tyner, released in 1972 on Milestone. The album marked the beginning of his decade-long stretch with the label.

Half-sider “Ebony Queen” opens with a bare piano figure in B-flat. From there, the track proceeds to a brisk ensemble section where the sax of Sonny Fortune billows through a semi-composed structure. Midway, Tyner takes over with dazzling ivory filigree that sparkles up and down at lightning speed amidst the hurricane tom/cymbal spray of drumming extraordinaire Alphonse Mouzon.

Tracklist:
A1. “Ebony Queen” (8:58)
A2. “A Prayer for My Family” (4:45)
A3. “Valley of Life” (5:17)
A4. “Rebirth” (5:19)
B. “Sahara” (23:28)

Credits:
McCoy Tyner — piano, writer, koto, flute, percussion
Sonny Fortune — saxophone, alto saxophone, flute
Calvin Hill — bass, reeds, percussion
Alphonse Mouzon — drums, percussion, trumpet, reeds

Elvin Campbell — engineer
Orrin Keepnews — producer