The Futuristic Sounds of Sun Ra

by Sun Ra

Overview

Sun Ra's only release for the Savoy label is a gem. Recorded in October of 1961, this is probably the first recording the Arkestra made after arriving in New York. As such, you're dealing with a smallish Arkestra (seven main instrumentalists, joined by vocalist Ricky Murray on "China Gate") that's still playing the boppish, highly arranged music characteristic of the Chicago years (1954-1961). Ra sticks to acoustic piano for the entire session, but various percussion instruments are dispersed throughout the band, giving a slightly exotic flavor to some of the tunes. John Gilmore plays bass clarinet on a couple tunes (as well as some great tenor solos), and Marshall Allen's flute playing is excellent, as always. This album was produced by Tom Wilson, who also produced the first Sun Ra LP, Jazz by Sun Ra (1956) for the Transition label, later reissued by Delmark as Sun Song (Wilson later went on to sign the Mothers of Invention to Verve and "electrified" Bob Dylan). With the exception of "The Beginning," all the tunes are very accessible. This is one to play for the mistaken folks who think the Arkestra did nothing but make noise. Excellent. [The 2003 mastering job sounds great.] ~ Sean Westergaard

Product Details

Release Date:	09/30/2022
Label:	Craft Records
UPC:	0888072419698
Rank:	38010

Tracks

1. Bassism
2. Of Sounds and Something Else
3. What's That?
4. Where Is Tomorrow?
5. The Beginning
6. China Gates
7. New Day
8. Tapestry from an Asteroid
9. Jet Flight
10. Looking Outward
11. Space Jazz Reverie

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Sun Ra   Primary Artist,Piano
Leah Ananda   Congas
Bernard McKinney   Euphonium,Trombone
Ricky Murray   Vocals
Ronnie Boykins   Guitar (Bass)
Pat Patrick   Sax (Baritone)
John Gilmore   Sax (Tenor),Clarinet (Bass)
Marshall Allen   Flute,Sax (Alto)
Willie Jones   Drums

Technical Credits

Victor Young   Composer
Sun Ra   Composer
Paul Blakemore   Mastering Engineer
Paul Cady   Recording
Linda Womack   Composer
Cecil Womack   Composer
Harold Adamson   Composer
Herman Lubinsky   Producer,Recording Producer