Gospel Icon Ricky Dillard and Jazz Legend Ron Carter Unite for a Groundbreaking Hybrid Album Sweet, Sweet Spirit Available Everywhere

In a landmark collaboration that bridges two of America’s most enduring musical traditions, jazz legend Ron Carter and gospel luminary Ricky Dillard announce the release of their historic joint album, Sweet, Sweet Spirit. The project marks a rare and inspired union of gospel’s sacred intensity with jazz’s masterful improvisation and is available today on all major streaming platforms.

Alongside the album release, the powerful new single “Farther Along” debuts today, accompanied by a visual directed by Paul C. Rivera and produced by Justin Green. The album and single are released via Blue Note Records in partnership with Motown Gospel.

Sweet, Sweet Spirit is a deeply personal work for Ron Carter, created in honor of his late mother, Mrs. Willie O. Carter. Her love for traditional hymns shaped not only the Carter household, but also the Detroit church community where they worshiped. Those hymns, once sung a cappella by congregations where voices were the only instruments, are now reverently reimagined through Carter’s iconic bass work and the expansive, soul-stirring power of Ricky Dillard’s choir.