Song of the Day 9/22: Jim Pepper, “Witchi-Tai-To”

Jim Pepper was a tenor saxophonist of Native American heritage who played in a group called the Fresh Spirits, considered the first jazz-rock fusion band, but he’s best remembered for this song, based on a peyote ceremony chant he learned from his grandfather. This version, from Pepper’s first solo album in 1971, was a popular selection in the early days of FM radio’s popularity.

The song actually reached the bottom of the charts (No. 69) two years earlier, when Pepper was in a short-lived band called Everything is Everything.

The tune has been widely covered, especially by soft-jazz saxophonists. This 1972 release is by a “band” called Topo D. Bill, which involved members of the Bonzo Dog Band with, reputedly, members of Yes, with Keith Moon on vocals.