Used vintage LP PHAROAH SANDERS: Karma. Gatefold, not a RE, in VG/G condition

$

36

PHAROAH SANDERS: Karma. Used vintage gatefold LP (not a RE) in Very Good/Good condition. ABC Impulse! Recs. LP Catalog # A-9181; 1969

Condition: Vinyl is heavier than typical but shows its age, has numerous areas of discoloration but no deep scratches; classic Impulse! labels essentially perfect. Jacket cardboard is heavy-duty, super glossy, colors remain vibrant. Lamination deteriorated on small areas at all four corners of jacket front. There is about a one inch tear on inside of gatefold at the “hinge.” Original paper inner sleeve promoting other releases—“The New Wave of Jazz is on Impulse!”—included for historical interest though it is yellowing and has some major wrinkles. This is the real deal, folks!

Behind the Music: This is one of the most classic of Modern (“post-Bebop”) Jazz albums. “The Creator Has a Master Plan,” with lyrics and inimitable vocals by Amosis Leontopolis Thomas, genuinely merits the tag magnum opus, checking in at about 34 minutes, carrying over from Side One to Side Two. This is not made clear by the text on inside of the gatefold, which implies it only occupies Side One. The back of jacket indicates a selection—“Light of Love”—that either doesn’t exist on this album or is a title appended to the conclusion of “The Creator…” Side One ends in a fade and “The Creator…” fades up and continues on Side Two. That’s my interpretation, at least. Hey, let’s face it, the Record Industry is not famed for its accuracy! And the album then concludes with the composition “Colors.” I have played “The Creator…” in its entirety multiple times on radio over the decades. Playing a 34-minute selection is obviously a luxury only available to those of us broadcasting on non-commercial radio stations. And thank goodness for that! I wish this album was in better physical condition, but it is showing its age and I have to describe it honestly. I first got really into Jazz after I exited the Army in 1971, so when I sought this 1969 album at retail I can be confident it was from an early pressing. It is not a reissue. Median price at Discogs at this time (late November 2025) is $82, with far more being asked for some copies. I feel my asking price is reasonable given the provenance of this particular copy and its physical condition.

• About the seller: I am downsizing my personal belongings, and you can benefit. Unless otherwise indicated, all my records have been owned by me alone and treated with loving care. No significant scratches or gouges. I have been a Jazz radio broadcaster for 30+ years, but my musical tastes are wide-ranging. You will see this as my listed offerings grow. New items added weekly, check back often!

[NOTE: I clean all LPs with the Record Doctor device, but you will likely find my items rather dusty when they arrive. I have a lot of static electricity in my house, and dust always instantly returns to record surfaces after cleaning! Sorry about that!]

PLEASE NOTE: I will not sell anything for less than $9.99, as it’s not worth packaging the item up and taking it to the Post Office. Sure, you can buy an LP for 50 cents or less at a yard sale, but will it have been cared for like mine? Not likely.

FREE SHIPPING to U.S. address for purchase of any item of $100 or more.