Mirage [Remastered] by The Awakening is a remarkable addition to any jazz vinyl collection. As the only group on the Black Jazz roster, The Awakening deserves recognition as one of the great bands of early ’70s jazz. Unfortunately, their legacy has been somewhat overshadowed by distribution issues faced by the Black Jazz label, making original copies of their records rare and highly sought after.
This 1973 album is their second and final release, featuring the same Chicago-based, AACM-centric lineup as their debut, with the notable addition of bassist Rufus Reid on select tracks. The music fuses elements of spiritual jazz, free jazz, soul jazz, and fusion jazz, creating a rich tapestry of sound that transcends individual genres. While it is less politically focused than its predecessor, Hear, Sense and Feel, Mirage showcases more abstract and varied moods and textures, delivering a powerful listening experience.
Our Real Gone release marks the first time Mirage has been reissued on LP, featuring newly remastered audio by Mike Milchner at Sonic Vision, alongside fresh liner notes by Pat Thomas. This is a record to discover, savor, and treasure—an essential for those looking to buy spiritual jazz vinyl records or explore the best free jazz LPs for collectors.
Adrienne Martinez (verified owner) –
The remastered Mirage LP by The Awakening is a masterpiece! The sound quality is incredible, and it’s a must-have for any jazz vinyl collector.
Melissa Macdonald (verified owner) –
I’ve been searching for good spiritual jazz records, and Mirage exceeded my expectations. The mix of styles is simply captivating.
Megan Thomas (verified owner) –
I love this album! The Awakening truly captures the essence of free jazz, and the remastered version sounds fantastic on my turntable.