Michael White – Pneuma

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.”

Recommended – Full Listen