What’s Happening, Tomoki Sanders?

Tomoki Sanders, a 30-year-old saxophonist and composer, now steps into the spotlight as a bandleader. Tomoki's music reveals both the enduring legacy of their father, Pharoah Sanders, and the vibrant joy of discovering their own artistic voice.

What’s happening?

I’m doing great! Just getting busy with finishing the album so it’ll be ready hopefully before Valentine’s Day. I just graduated from Kassa Overall’s band in July. I had a blast touring with my big bro for 3 years, and now I am ready to tap in on my own journey as a leader.

The audience at Tampere Jazz Happening appreciates surprises – even mavericks they may not know or have never heard of. Still, could you tell us a little about your music? What can we expect? We’d also love to hear how your father’s musical and artistic legacy has influenced you.

My music is a reflection of my truth, my personality and my imagination. It’s a cohesive marriage between the improvisation and integrity of so called “jazz” and blend in with some elements from hip-hop to eastern-like rhythms from Egypt, India or even Japan. And yes, I believe that my dad has a tremendous influence on me, and I can hear it either the way I express on the saxophone, or the way I write my music amongst others like John Coltrane, 70’s Miles Davis, Chief Xian Atunde Adjuah, J Dilla, Flying Lotus, Hiatus Kaiyote and Squarepusher.

It’s understandable that jazz musicians – especially soloists – strive for a personal and even recognisable sound. How would you describe yours? What does it reveal about you, your musical interests, and the path you’ve taken so far?

Well, I’m still figuring it out myself, haha. I don’t think I consider myself a technical player nor the most intellectual player. I just simply express…that’s all – whether it’s a masculine feeling, a feminine feeling, a queer feeling, or even reaching for a higher yet visceral level of consciousness and spirituality. – My influences are Pharoah Sanders, John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Arthur Rhames, to name a few. Basically flamboyant yet spiritual black saxophone players, haha.

Music is a powerful form of communication – a way to share emotions, intentions and meaning, and even to make a difference. And with that power comes great responsibility. Do you feel a need to use your platform to speak out – especially in times like these?

Absolutely! Art is supposed to be like a reflection, like a mirror, that reflects the time and space we’re living in this moment. And also art can be expressed like creating a world and you would like to welcome anybody who wants to be a part of it. So you have both side of “reality” and “imagination” and you are going to hear both in my first album.

What’s going to happen?

I am on the final stages of finishing the album, I’m just figuring out who is going to mix and master it, and it’ll be ready for production. And I also hope to tour around Europe, Japan and also the States. Blessed to have 3DFamily my EU booking agency to keep bringing me back to Europe, and hope to keep going on the road and also work on future projects as well.
But more importantly, looking forward to this upcoming set at Tampere Jazz Happening!

Tomoki Sanders
Saturday, 1 November 2025, at 20.00
Paja Kongressi