Burning Spirits

Burning Spirits
Studio album by Sonny Simmons
Released	1971
Recorded	November 24, 1970 Contemporary's Studio, Los Angeles, California
Genre	Jazz
Length	79:18
Label	Contemporary S7625/26
Producer	Lester Koenig
Sonny Simmons chronology
Rumasuma (1970) Burning Spirits (1971) Backwoods Suite (1982)

Burning Spirits is a double album by American jazz saxophonist Sonny Simmons (credited as Huey Simmons on the initial release), which was recorded in 1970 and released on the Contemporary label.

Reception

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic
Rolling Stone	favorable

AllMusic awarded the album four stars with its review by Alex Henderson stating: "Burning Spirits is generally more free jazz than post-bop. But regardless of whether Simmons is playing inside or outside (usually outside), the saxman plays with tremendous conviction on this album."

Robert Palmer of Rolling Stone said that "Simmons and friends have taken the developments of the past ten years [...] and compacted them into an ever-changing kaleidoscope of spaces and densities that make a lot of what's au courant seem pale by comparison. If you buy only one LP of 'jazz' music this year, make it this one."

Track listing

All compositions by Huey Simmons

1. "Burning Spirits No. 1" - 11:34
2. "New Newk" - 11:42
3. "Healing Rays" - 15:55
4. "Burning Spirits No. 2" - 13:47
5. "Things and Beings" - 9:27
6. "E=MC²" - 16:53

Personnel

• Sonny Simmons - alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, English horn
• Barbara Donald - trumpet (tracks 1, 3, 4 & 6)
• Michael White - violin (tracks 1 & 3-6)
• Lonnie Liston Smith - piano (tracks 2 & 5)
• Richard Davis, Cecil McBee (tracks 1 & 3-6) - bass
• Clifford Jarvis - drums