Witchi-Tai-To – 1992
Jan Garbarek
Garbarek performs Jim Pepper’s famous song
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“Witchi-Tai-To” is a song that saxophonist Jim Pepper (1941-92) adapted from an ancient peyote chant that he learned from his grandfather, a native American.
Pepper first recorded “Witchi-Tai-To” in 1969 and it became his best known composition.
The famous Norwegian saxophonist Jan Garbarek recorded “Witchi Tai To” in 1973 and kept it in his repertoire for years.
Shortly after Pepper’s death in 1992, Jan Garbarek performed “Witchi-Tai-To” with his regular quartet (pianist Ranier Bruninghaus, bassist Eberhard Weber, and drummer Mano Katche), playing a beautiful tribute and revitalizing the song.
-Scott Yanow
