[mrtin]

an amazing compilation, don't sleep on this people!

The gatefold vinyl is beautifully presented too.

[waltwalden]

Indeed a great compilation and Soul Jazz Records now pre-sales reissue of a limited edition (1000 copies) heavyweight vinyl of quite rare Art Ensemble of Chicago (with Fontella Bass) "Les stances a Sophie" (also DVD will be released) for only 9.99 GBP, get it while you can (original vinyl will go for 100 USD in ebay): http://www.souljazzrecords.co.uk/releases/?id=182

Website information:
New Re-issue of Soul Jazz records' release of The Art Ensemble of Chicago's soundtrack to 'Les Stance A Sophie'. There is also a new vinyl edition super-limited to 1000 vinyl copies worldwide that comes in a deluxe US-copy gatefold that has to be seen to be believed!

With this release Soul Jazz Records are reissuing a long lost album by The Art Ensemble Of Chicago, one of the most important and radical Jazz groups to come out of the USA. 'Les Stances A Sophie' was recorded in Paris in 1970 and features the regular Art Ensemble members (Lester Bowie, Joseph Jarman, Roscoe Mitchell and Malachi Flavors) alongside the newly recruited drummer Don Moye and Fontella Bass on vocals and piano. 'Les Stance A Sophie' was originally released on EMI France and later in the US on Nessa Records. Both editions have been out of print for many years and Soul Jazz Records are reissuing the album to coincide with the release of the newly available film. Essential!

[makuma]

Yes, I've bought that one too.. Pointed many new artists for me too..
Another recent "spiritual jazz" discovery was
"Hear, O Israel A Prayer Cerimony in Jazz" featuring Herbie Hancock Thad Jones Ron Carter and many others. from Trunk Records 2008, originally recorded in 1968
Recommend!.