The Leaders - Spirits Alike

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Review by Eleazar Mendez

Spirits Alike by The Leaders: A Raw, Soul-Stirring Jazz Journey If you’ve ever wondered what happens when jazz legends just let loose and play like there’s no tomorrow, Spirits Alike is your answer. Released in 2006 on Double Moon Records, this album feels less like a polished studio project and more like stumbling into an intimate jam session where everyone speaks the same musical language—but with wildly different accents. It’s free jazz meets avant-garde meets post-bop, all wrapped up in one unpredictable package. Let’s talk about “Consequence” for a second. This track hits hard right outta the gate. Bobby Watson’s alto saxophone dances around Eddie Henderson’s trumpet like they’re having some kind of heated argument that somehow ends in perfect harmony. And then there’s Billie Hart on drums—man, he doesn’t just keep time; he owns it. There’s something raw and almost primal about how these guys interact. You can tell they aren’t overthinking anything here. They’re just letting it rip. I remember this track because it feels alive—it breathes, it stumbles, it soars. By the end, you’re not sure if you should cheer or sit quietly to process what just happened. Maybe both? Then there’s “Lullaby For Imka,” which flips the vibe completely. If “Consequence” is a wild party, this one’s the quiet moment at 3 AM when everyone’s gone home and you’re left staring out the window thinking deep thoughts. Chico Freeman pulls double duty on tenor and soprano saxophones, weaving melodies so tender they feel like they might break apart at any moment. Cecil McBee’s bassline is the heartbeat of the whole thing, steady but full of emotion. Honestly, this tune sneaks up on you. One listen, and you’re humming along. Two listens, and it’s stuck in your soul forever. What makes Spirits Alike stand out isn’t just the killer lineup (seriously, Bobby Watson, Cecil McBee, and Chico Freeman? Come on!)—it’s the way the album captures imperfection. These tracks don’t sound airbrushed or overly rehearsed. Instead, they feel human. Like maybe someone missed a note here or there, but who cares? That little wobble adds character. It reminds me of those old family photos where nobody’s posing perfectly—you wouldn’t trade them for anything. By the time the last echoes of “Deep Pockets” fade away, you realize this isn’t just another jazz album. It’s a conversation between musicians who trust each other enough to take risks. And yeah, it gets messy sometimes, but that’s kinda the point. Life’s messy too, right? Oh, and here’s a weird thought to leave you with: If this album were a person, I think it’d be the guy at the bar who tells crazy stories while waving his hands around, spilling half his drink—but you still can’t help hanging on every word.

Table of Contents

Download

Filename: the-leaders-spirits-alike.zip
  • MP3 size: 84.8 mb
  • FLAC size: 936 mb

Tracks

TrackDurationPreview
Remembering Bob C Vol. II3:1
Spirits Alike6:37
Lullaby For Imka7:06
Sprits Alike6:38
Alas Poor John8:52
Remembering Bob C Vol. 23:01
Remembering Bob C Vol. 12:30
The Ascended One3:30
Consequence5:58
Evolution5:20
Deep Pockets7:59
Remembering Bob C Vol. I2:32
Lullaby for Imka7:8
Remembering Bob C, Vol. 102:32
Remembering Bob C, Vol. 203:01
Lady Bugg7:55

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Catalog Numbers

DMCHR 71060

Labels

Double Moon Records

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Formats

  • CD
  • Album

Credits

RoleCredit
Alto SaxophoneBobby Watson
BassCecil McBee
Designfuhrer vienna
DrumsBillie Hart
EngineerManfred Knoop
Mastered ByReinhard Kobialka, Volker Dueck
Mixed ByTom Swift
Photography ByVolker Dueck
PianoFred Harris
ProducerChico Freeman, Volker Dueck
Tenor SaxophoneChico Freeman
Soprano SaxophoneChico Freeman
TrumpetEddie Henderson
Written-ByCecil McBee (tracks: 4, 8)

Notes

  • Recorded August 29-30, 2006 at Twinz Studios, New Jersey.
  • Mixed August 31, September 1, 2006 at Twinz Studios, New Jersey.
  • Mastered September 27, 2006 at Topaz Studio, Cologne, Germany.

Barcodes

Barcode: 6 08917 10602 2

About The Leaders

The Leaders is an American avant-jazz supergroup, formed by tenor saxophonist , originally active in 19831994, and reunited in 2006. The band went through a few personnel changes in the early years. In the original line-up, Freeman played with on alto saxophone and on trumpet, backed with a rhythm section by (piano), (bass) and (drums and percussion). Pullen was replaced with , and eventually , while A.E.C's trumpeter took over Cherry's duties in the third, and most prolific, reincarnation. The Leaders released three albums on and in the 1980s, as well as CD on Japanese label in 1994. The sextet was met with mixed reviews  while each member independently was a universally recognized mastodon of the 80's free jazz, some critics characterized The Leaders as being more of a novelty. The rhythm section of the ensemble also released one album, , as on label in 1989. In 2006, Chico Freeman decided to revive The Leaders, and invited to take Lester Bowie's place, with on alto saxophone, and Cecil McBee (the only other original 'Leader' in the band), (piano) and (drums) forming a rhythm section. The reunited sextet recorded and released album on German label . Original members (1983) Chico Freeman  tenor saxophone Arthur Blythe  alto saxophone Don Cherry  trumpet Don Pullen  piano Cecil McBee  bass Famoudou Don Moye  drums Second incarnation (1984) Chico Freeman  tenor saxophone Arthur Blythe  alto saxophone Don Cherry  trumpet Hilton Ruiz*  piano Cecil McBee  bass Famoudou Don Moye  drums Final 3rd incarnation (198594) Chico Freeman  tenor saxophone Arthur Blythe  alto saxophone Lester Bowie*  trumpet Kirk Lightsey*  piano, flute Cecil McBee  bass Famoudou Don Moye  drums, percussion * New members with asterix The reunited Leaders (2007) Chico Freeman*  tenor & soprano saxophone Bobby Watson  alto saxophone Eddie Henderson  trumpet Fred Harris  piano Cecil McBee*  bass Billy Hart  drums * Original members with asterix

Aliases

  • The Leaders Trio

Members

  • Eddie Henderson
  • Don Cherry
  • Lester Bowie
  • Arthur Blythe
  • Billy Hart
  • Hilton Ruiz
  • Cecil McBee
  • Don Pullen
  • Chico Freeman
  • Kirk Lightsey
  • Bobby Watson
  • Famoudou Don Moye
  • Fred Harris

Interesting fact about Album

Did you know? The album *Spirits Alike* by The Leaders is a hidden gem in the jazz world. Released in 2006, it’s a mix of Free Jazz, Avant-Garde Jazz, and Post-Bop styles. What makes it special? It brought together some serious jazz legends like Bobby Watson on alto saxophone, Cecil McBee on bass, and Eddie Henderson on trumpet. Oh, and fun fact: Cecil McBee even wrote a couple of tracks! The album was produced in Germany under the label Double Moon Records. It’s not just music—it’s a journey through creativity and collaboration. Tracks like "Lullaby For Imka" and "Remembering Bob C" feel personal, almost like stories told through sound. Definitely worth a listen if you love raw, soulful jazz vibes!