The only 'group' on the Black Jazz roster, The Awakening today should be heralded as one of the great bands in early '70s jazz. That they're not is the result of the Black Jazz label's distribution woes; witness the fact that original copies of both of their records for the imprint command prices in the hundreds of dollars if you can find them at all. Mirage is their second (1973) album, the last one they made together; it boasts the same Chicago-based, AACM-centric line-up as the first, with the notable addition of bassist Rufus Reid on a couple of tracks. Spiritual jazz, free jazz, soul jazz, fusion jazz, you name it'The Awakening take all those threads common to early '70s African-American music and, like any great ensemble, weave them into a beautiful sonic garment that's greater than the sum of its parts. The Mirage is a bit less political/pan-African than Hear, Sense and Feel, its predecessor, which definitely owed some of its feel to the band's Art Ensemble of Chicago/AACM roots; this record is a little more abstract, a little more varied in its moods and textural coloring, yet no less powerful and transporting. Our Real Gone release represents the first time Mirage has been reissued on LP; it comes newly remastered (by Mike Milchner at Sonic Vision) and with new liner notes by Pat Thomas. A record to discover, savor, and treasure. Side One
Release date:
July 30, 2021
Label:
Install our app to receive notifications when new upcoming releases are added.

Recommended equipment and accessories
-
Ortofon 2M Blue Premounted
Mounted on the SH-4 Black Headshell, this setup delivers exceptional clarity, dynamic range, and accurate sound reproduction.
-
HumminGuru: Ultrasonic Vinyl Record Cleaner
Advanced ultrasonic technology with customizable cleaning cycles and a large tank capacity to thoroughly remove dust, dirt, and contaminants
-
Denon DP-400
Featuring a high-precision, belt-driven mechanism and an adjustable tonearm that ensures optimal tracking and minimal resonance
-
Audioengine A2 Plus
Precision-engineered 2.75-inch woofers and a 0.75-inch silk dome tweeter, featuring built-in DAC and Bluetooth connectivity for seamless integration.
-
Vinyl Care - Top Picks
A selection of accesories to keep your turntable equipment & vinyl records in the best shape
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
La Dispute No One Was Driving the Car [2xLP]
Epitaph
September 5, 2025 -
LCD Soundsystem Home Tom Sharkett Edit
Dfa Records
September 26, 2025 -
Teethe Magic of the Sale
Winspear
August 8, 2025 -
Thrice Horizons / West
Epitaph
October 3, 2025 -
Tedeschi Trucks Band/Leon Russell Mad Dogs & Englishmen Revisited: Live At LOCKN' [2xLP]
Fantasy
September 12, 2025 -
Richard Hawley Coles Corner (20Th Anniversary; Half-Speed Master Edition)
Polygram UK
August 8, 2025 -
Pendulum Inertia [2xLP]
Virgin Music International
August 22, 2025 -
Ganser Animal Hospital (Blue)
Felte Records
August 29, 2025 -
Nine Inch Nails TRON: Ares Soundtrack (White) [2xLP]
The Null Corporation/Interscope
September 19, 2025 -
Sabaton Legends
Better Noise Music
October 17, 2025 -
Sault 10
Forever Living Origi
August 1, 2025 -
La Dispute No One Was Driving the Car (White/Red/Green) [2xLP]
Epitaph
September 5, 2025 -
Alter Bridge Alter Bridge [2xLP]
Napalm Records
January 9, 2026 -
Stars of the Lid Music for Nitrous Oxide (30 Year Anniversary; Remastered) [2xLP]
Diggers Factory
August 29, 2025