OK folks, get out your space-party hats- Today is Sun Ra's birthday.
Mystery Mister Ra was born in Birmingham, Alabama in 1914.
This Saturn l.p: "Journey Stars Beyond" is (presumably-based on the catalogue number) from a July 28, 1981 concert and is also known as "Oblique Parallax"- both editions bearing the label no. SR 72881.
It comprises a few little synthesizer solos, a trombone/synthesizer duet with smatterings of percussion, a full-on Arkestra blowout, and an over-the-top Synthesizer solo which has the Arkestra asking "What WAS that??" and shouting with mock terror when Ra answers the questions with his palms, fists, and elbows: "Here it comes AGAIN!!!" You can just SEE Ra's enigmatic grin through the joyful noise.
This is the kind of Sun Ra record which reminds us of just how unique and irreplaceable Sun Ra was and is.
Our continuing consolation is the wonderful volume of recordings which he left behind.
The Saturn Records are a particularly unique and even precious treasure- with their hand-designed covers; all of them slightly or even wildly different, bearing the marks of the hands which so lovingly made them- silkscreend stickers, magic-marker drawings and detailing, hand-cut center labels, and other wonderful "imperfections"; Beautiful.
(And, in the case of my own Saturn Records- with the signature of Le Sun Ra in colored hi-lighters on the front or back). If you're curious as to how or when I got the signatures, (it was probably autumn or winter, '88 or '89,) the details are in my previous Sun Ra post.
The Arkestra's current existence under the leadership of Marshall Allen serve as a reminder of his music's continued relevance and the undeniable influence Ra still has today on so many fine musicians.
I hope today will be a day of joyful remembering for all those who knew him and for those who didn't but love his music.
Now- Make a wish and BLOW!
Sun Ra (and Arkestra) - Journey Stars Beyond (Saturn SR 72881) 1981
Side One:
Journey Stars Beyond a (12:53)
Side Two:
Journey Stars Beyond b (13:23)
Precise personel unknown.
(1) or (1)
Thank you, Thank you, Dr E!
ReplyDeleteI love looking at the pics of your LP and can't wait to give it a listen.
Thanks very much!
ReplyDeleteYotte- You're very welcome. Your posts over at Adventure/Equation give me the same wonderful pleasure, so- Cheers!!
ReplyDeleteThis album is, literally- a blast.
What Yotte and the Dr said. Those hand made El Saturns are as much fun to look at as they are to listen too. I always love that part midway through the synth solo on JSB where Sonny stops playing for a few moments while the Arkestra guys are all going "What was that?!?"
ReplyDeleteaccording to the discogs-entry of the cd "Beyond The Purple Star Zone / Oblique Parallax", much of this lp is comprised of trio Sun Ra (keyboards), Vincent Chancey (french horn) and Samarai Celestial (percussion). the recording probably took place live at the Detroit Jazz Center December 26, 1980 - January 1, 1981.
ReplyDeletegrazie mille,
l.
Thanks for writing, rev.b, and- anon(I.)@ 10:23- Thanks for the personel info. I based my guess for recording date on the label. I might be wrong, tho. My previous Saturn post begins with an Arkestra member saying the date and place into the microphone, and it matches exactly the label no. I have presumed that this was the convention for Saturn Records.
ReplyDeleteThanks to all for commenting.
Much appreciated, cheers
ReplyDeleteit's great to hear ra in such a rare small combo setting. thanks for your hard work, dr. eyescope.
ReplyDeletel(ucky) ;)
Thanks, Dr, for letting me take the journey. You're quite right that this is literally a blast.
ReplyDeletemuch gratitude.
ReplyDelete