Chico Freeman

Spirit Sensitive Chico Freeman

Earl “Chico” Freeman, one of the most influential voices in 1970s jazz, was also one of the leading modern tenor saxophonists, creating a sound that was both extremely modern and deeply rooted in jazz traditions. Nowhere was this more evident than during his illustrious period from 1976 to 1981 with the avant-garde independent label India Navigation – a golden era of creative energy that still resonates in his playing today. “Spirit Sensitive” was released in 1979 and marked a change of direction for Chico, who was otherwise more freely and avant-garde in his approach: a selection of standards, almost exclusively ballads. As the album title suggests, Freeman interprets well-known compositions with sensitivity, featuring a clear and rich tone, paired with Cecil McBee’s powerful bass, which pushes to the forefront. Percussion is used sparingly to add texture, while John Hicks on piano colors and completes the musical space. The album’s lineup is rounded out by Billy Hart and Famoudou Don Moye on drums. The Rolling Stone Jazz Record Guide called it an “exquisite ballad album … on which Freeman plays standards with more ingenuity and conviction than most veterans.” Analogue Productions honors “Spirit Sensitive” and Chico Freeman with a lovingly produced double LP: Mastered by Matthew Lutthnas at The Mastering Lab from the original tapes, pressed on 180-gram vinyl by Quality Record Pressings, and cut at 45 RPM, this collector’s item – which, of course, comes in a high-quality tip-on gatefold jacket from Stoughton Printing – is undoubtedly the ultimate in sound quality! For this edition, Analogue Productions has also included four additional tracks from the same studio sessions of 1978–1979: “You Don’t Have To Say You’re Sorry,” “Lonnie’s Lament,” “Wise One,” and “Carnival.” While “Spirit Sensitive” was conceived as an intimate exploration of ballads and standards, these four rediscovered session tracks significantly expand the album’s emotional and structural range. We recommend the use of "L'Art du Son" LP cleaner to wet wash your vinyl. Even new records of high quality production will benefit from this.