Being a bright “Sunny” day what better way to get things going than Sun Ra and his Arkestra Jazz in Silhouette. This being a 2008 Scorpio mono press. Recorded at El Saturn Studios 1959, the Arkestra is having a good time and sounding fine. Early Sun Ra Arkestra, and generally more accessible than his New York 1960’s recordings. A most strongArkestra line-up, and a shame they did not all follow Herman Blount to NYC.
Players:
James Spalding, Marshall Allen alto saxophone, flute
Charles Davis baritone saxophone
Pat Patrick baritone saxophone, flute
Ronnie Boykins bass
William Cochran drums
Le Sun Ra piano
John Gilmore tenor saxophone
Hobart Dotson trumpet
I am often asked what Sun Ra Arkestra album is the best place to start, and this would be one of them. The song Blues at Midnight wraps up side two, a mix of Fletcher Henderson, Afro-Cuban exotica, and light experimentation pushing 1950’s jazz boundaries. BTW, the recently released expanded edition is worth seeking out.
3 Likes
Excellent post, great insights!
I first experienced Sun Ra live as a graduate student at Indiana University in 1975. I think because of David Baker teaching at IU, many top notch jazz musicians found their way to Bloomington, often sitting in with him during his Introduction to Jazz course. Bought two albums between sets from the band members which were decorated with a full palette of felt-tip pens. The next day found this recording which was playing in the record store upon arrival. Tremendous, highly recommended.
4 Likes
This being a 1974 Impulse reissue of the 1959 Saturn release
Sun Ra The Nubians of Plutonia. It is a real shame Impulse did not stick with the Saturn Research reissue series. Fortunately I have this one and a handful more of them in my collection.
Here on the first track Sun Ra and the Arkestra announce their arrival with Plutonian Nights, with Sun Ra’s pulsing lower note thrust washed over by Robbert Barry’s cymbal beat, then joined by Pat Patrick’s baritone saxophone. A great example of Sonny’s affinity for the lower end.
The Nubians of Plutonia features:
Sun Ra piano, electric piano
Pat Patrick Baritone saxophone
Ronnie Boykins bass
Charles Davis baritone saxophone
Robert Barry percussion
Nate Pryor trombone
John Gilmore tenor saxophone
Marshall Allen aalto saxophone, , flute
James Spalding alto saxophone
Lucious Randolph trumpet
Jim Hendon trumpet
Phil Corhan trumpet
While I have a few copies of The Nubians of Plutonia, this particular copy came from Renaissance Records in Birmingham Alabama. I spent the better part of the day discussing Herman Blount with the proprietor. The next day it was a deep dive at Charlemagne Records, down the street. Sadly, I believe both shops are long gone.
2 Likes
I neglected to mention the coffee cup is from a Birmingham cafe and club dedicated to Sun Ra as well as the Saturn Booster Rocket. A fun cafe and music venue. Personally I miss Birmingham’s Bottle Tree featuring emerging talent. The spirit of Herman Blount remains in Birmingham to this day.
Saturn
It is indeed another fine Arkestra find. I too have many white jacket Sun Ra Arkestra LPs, with various drawings added when purchased. As I was raised in the Chicago area there was a certain early ’70’s exposure to Sun Ra. At the time I had no idea what it was all about, other than it was far out, and I dug it. I have in excess of 300 Sun Ra titles in my current collection, some original and some recent reissues. I must say it is great to have the more recent reissues as sonically they are a step up.
1 Like
Regarding an easy to recommend
Sun Ra Arkestra session for those willing to explore, this is it;
Sun Ra & his Arkestra Live at Montreux. Leaning on his Fletcher Henderson roots, with a nod to Duke Ellington, Take the A Train, this provides a gateway to the world of Sun Ra without spinning out of orbit.
3 Likes
Nice cover, how’s the music? It is a great assemblage of musicians. Must be a copy around here somewhere. Oh, the cat’s sleeping on it.
1 Like
I find this set to be very pleasant. Sometimes I want to hear some well-played down-the-middle-of-the-road stuff, and here it is.
Fine album to be certain, with Don Was at the helm assembling the ensemble.
Kendrick, Immanuel, and Gerald stand out.
Sun Ra Cosmos, an Inner City - Rhino Records 2010 LP reissue of
Cosmos. Sun Ra on side 2 first cut
Moonship Journey on the Rocksichord keyboard, adding a special spacey dimension to the sound. Unfortunately, R. Anthony Bunn’s plodding bass keeps the effort more or less earth bound. Moving on to the second cut,
Journey Among the Stars with multiple reeds keeps things spacey. Unfortunately it ends abruptly, cut off in mid-stride.
Players:
Danny Davis, Marshall Allen alto sax, flute
Danny Ray Thompson baritone saxophone, flute
Jac Jackson basson, flute
Larry Bright drums
R. Anthony Bunn electric bass
Vincent Chancey french horn
Sun Ra rocksichord, keyboards
John Gilmore tenor saxophone
Craig Harris trombone
Ahmed Abdullah trumpet
1 Like
Speaking of trumpeter Ahmed Abdullah, a memoir regarding Ahmed’s twenty years with the Sun Ra Arkestra,
Strange Celestial Roads is currently available:
Strange Celestial Road
2 Likes
Always inspiring music. A later recording with Tommy Turrentine on trumpet this time, enjoyed at an appreciable volume this evening.
1 Like
You landed on yet another enjoyable Sun Ra recording. After a day with Sun Ra I’ll give it a bit of a rest. Picked up a few new LPs while in Chicago yesterday that need tending to.
