The Awakening

CD: Amazon U.S. / Amazon U.K. / Amazon Canada / Your Local Record Shop
LP: Amazon U.S. / Amazon U.K. / Amazon Canada / Your Local Record Shop
Clear/black swirl LP: Real Gone Music Online Store

Black Jazz Records' only group, The Awakening had roots in the Chicago jazz movement as part of the AACM (the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians).  Featuring AACM members Reggie Willis (bass) and Ari Brown (tenor sax and flute), as well as Young-Holt Unlimited alumni Frank Gordon (trumpet) and Ken Chaney (keys), among others, The Awakening "inhabit[ed] that sweet spot between the free jazz and Afrocentric explorations of the Art Ensemble and [a] rhythm-heavy soul-jazz sound."  Hear, Sense and Feel remains one of the most sought-after releases in the Black Jazz catalog, with rare original copies going for hundred of dollars online.  But you won't have to shell out nearly that much for the new reissue, featuring replica artwork and extensive new liner notes by Pat Thomas.  The label will also press up 100 copies on clear with black swirl vinyl as a Real Gone webstore exclusive release.  It's been remastered by Mike Milchner.