Mary Lou Williams’ iconic Black Christ Of The Andes album reissued in its original form

One of the greatest jazz records of all time.

Mary Lou Williams’ iconic self-titled album has been reissued on vinyl via Smithsonian Folkways.

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Originally released in 1964, and later issued in Europe as Black Christ Of The Andes, the album has gone on to become a deep jazz gem, featuring choral spirituals like ‘Black Christ Of The Andes’ and ‘The Devil’, Williams’ tender trio rendition of ‘It Ain’t Necessarily So’ and the gospel blues romp ‘Praise The Lord’.

An iconic figure in jazz and consummate pianist whose career spanned almost 60 years, Williams went on to release more overtly spiritual records like Mary Lou’s Mass in the ’70s, but is often overlooked in surveys of the genre.

Retaining the original title, artwork, liner notes and tip-on sleeve, the Smithsonian reissue is available to pre-order here. You can see the artwork and tracklist below.

Tracklist:

1. Black Christ Of The Andes
2. It Ain’t Necessarily So
3. The Devil
4. Miss D.D.
5. Anima Christi
6. A Grand Nite for Swinging
7. My Blue Heaven
8. Dinge Blues
9. A Fungus Amungus
10. Praise The Lord

Photo by William P. Gottlieb