Tomoki Sanders: Stepping Out of the Shadow

Lessons From Pharoah: Tomoki Sanders Steps Out of the Shadow

The presence of the late, legendary Pharoah Sanders is palpable at the Montreal Jazz Festival. His influence remains a cornerstone of the festival’s history, echoing through the grounds where he performed iconic sets, including the 1998 recording of Spirits. Yet, this year, that legacy felt more personal and immediate as his progeny, Tomoki Sanders, took the stage as a bandleader for the first time at the festival.

Tomoki Sanders is currently navigating a pivotal moment in their career, following a signing to Gilles Peterson’s influential Brownswood Recordings label. During a warm, post-rain evening at the festival’s Pub Molson stage, the 31-year-old musician displayed a commanding, elegant presence. Backed by a tight ensemble—Ian Fink on keys, Christian Napoleon on drums, and Paul “PapaBear” Johnson on bass—Sanders moved between tenor saxophone and a wooden flute, showcasing a sound that is both forceful and deeply sensitive.

Embracing a Musical Lineage

Reflecting on their upbringing, Sanders admits that the desire to follow in their father’s footsteps was present from a young age. Born in 1994, Tomoki was gifted their first saxophone by Pharoah at age 10. Despite the inevitable pressures of being a second-generation musician, Sanders has found clarity in their father’s final advice: “Do your own thing. Do what you want to do.”

“It’s like a seed and you’re responsible for providing it with enough water, fertilizer, and sunlight to grow this beautiful creative plant of who you are and your identity,” Sanders explains. For them, music has become a sanctuary, a space where they can reconcile their dual heritage as a person of Black and Japanese descent while honoring the profound spiritual connection they shared with their father.

“I was very close to him. Asking him about health, life and spirituality. It wasn’t always music, but most of the time, yeah, it was music. It’s been four years and I really miss him.”

Forging a Unique Path

Beyond the technical mastery of the saxophone, Sanders has learned the nuances of bandleading, citing mentorship from drummer Kassa Overall. This guidance helped them navigate the complexities of the music industry, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability, listening, and surrounding oneself with good people. As Ian Fink, a former bandmate, notes, “Even when we played with Kassa we knew Tomoki was a star in the making.”

The performance concluded with a powerful rendition of Pharoah’s “The Creator Has A Master Plan.” It was a fitting tribute, yet one that underscored Tomoki’s own evolution. They are not merely a successor to a legacy; they are a contemporary artist maintaining that history while firmly establishing their own voice. In the hallowed space of the Montreal Jazz Festival, Tomoki Sanders proved that they are here, they are themselves, and they are ready to lead.