The Awakening
The Awakening, an American spiritual-jazz ensemble, emerged from Chicago in the early 1970s. This band was notable for its unique blend of jazz and elements of soul and spirituality, reflecting the music scene of that era. The core members were veterans of the Chicago R&B scene and included skilled jazz musicians who were often associated with the city's vibrant musical heritage.
The group released two significant albums on the Black Jazz label: "Hear, Sense, Feel" in 1972 and "Mirage" in 1973. These albums showcased their innovative sound, combining complex rhythms and soulful melodies, which were well-received in the jazz community and continue to be influential to this day.
The band's co-leaders included trumpeter Frank Gordon and keyboardist Ken Chaney, both of whom were integral to establishing the distinctive sound of The Awakening. Unfortunately, the group did not achieve widespread commercial success, which has led to them being somewhat overlooked in jazz history, despite their artistic contributions.
The Awakening's legacy endures, particularly among collectors of spiritual jazz and enthusiasts of the genre who appreciate the depth and creativity of their music.
Mirage
Written-By – Richard Brown
5:37
A2 The Ultimate Frontier
Percussion – Drasheer Khalid
Vocals – Anita Jeffries, Ben Wright
Written-By – Richard Brown
9:54
A3 Just A Little Peace
Written-By – Ken Chaney
5:08
B1 Slinky
Bass – Rufus Ried
Written-By – Ken Chaney
6:10
B2 Mirage
Percussion – Drasheer Khalid
Written-By – Frank Gordon
8:31
B3 Glory To The Sun
Bass – Rufus Ried
Written-By – Frank Gordon
6:12
B4 March On
Percussion – Drasheer Khalid
Written-By – Ken Chaney
5:30
Label: Black Jazz Records – BJQD/15
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1973
Genre: R&B Jazz, Funk
Style: Soul-Jazz, Jazz-Funk
The Awakening's 1973 album, Mirage, is a highly acclaimed spiritual/fusion jazz masterpiece from Chicago, praised for its diverse, adventurous sound blending spiritual jazz, soul, fusion, and free jazz with Afrocentric roots, featuring powerful saxophone, electric piano, and unique vocal arrangements, making it a cherished "lost gem" from the Black Jazz Records label, noted for its expansive grooves and distinct tracks like "The Ultimate Frontier" and "Slinky".
It expertly weaves together spiritual jazz, soul-jazz, fusion, and free-jazz elements, reflecting the Chicago AACM scene.
The album showcases seven tracks with distinct personalities, ranging from spiritual journeys to funky grooves.
Features prominent electric piano (Ken Chaney), powerful saxophone (Frank Gordon), and unique vocal textures on tracks like "The Ultimate Frontier".
Reissues highlight its status as a significant, transportive work, deserving of wider recognition.
Standout Tracks: "Mode For DD": An energetic opener with skillful electric piano and sax; "The Ultimate Frontier": A lengthy, unique track with mysterious grooves and operatic vocals; "Mirage": The Spanish-flavored title track; "Slinky": A fan favorite for its excellent '70s jazz feel; "March On": A funky, free-flowing closer.
Mirage is considered a landmark album in spiritual jazz, offering rich, textural soundscapes and impressive musicality, and is often recommended alongside other spiritual jazz classics.