The music is far too unfocused to be pop but far too unimaginative to be good jazz. It stands at this unfortunate crossroads as something that might sound good in theory but not to the ears. Spirits is notable because many of the disparate elements listed above are present yet the disc does not suffer as a result. The recording does not seem unfocused or contrived. The elements are all noticeable but they work as a whole.
Many sections have a peaceful, restful quality that is as soothing as relaxing as can be.
Listeners inclined to spiritualism, as is Sanders, are likely to hear sounds that seem in tune with a higher power. At the same time, Spirits is not wanting for the sonic blasts of rage that aren t welcome in polite company. Most impressively Sanders and his percussionist compatriots Hamid Drake and Adam Rudolph show a great deal of forethought with the material. A dramatic sense of flair is present and the more excited moments gain importance because the follow periods of calm. There are 10 tracks on the disc, all three performers receive credit for each composition, but the roughly 60 and a half minutes of music could easily be heard as one long work or as 4 or 5 sections of varying lengths.