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Sun Ra Arkestra: Sunrise in Different Dimensions
by AAJ Italy Staff
C'è sempre un buon motivo per portarsi a casa un disco di Sun Ra, qualsiasi disco di Sun Ra. Nel caso di Sunrise in Different Dimensions, giunto alla quarta ristampa (la seconda in CD dopo le due edizioni in Lp), di motivi buoni ce ne sono almeno due. Il primo, di natura, per così dire, accidentale, riguarda la singolare line-up dell'Arkestra. A Willisau, quella sera del 24 febbraio del 1980, non c'erano né tromboni, né contrabbassi: cinque ance, una tromba, ...
Continue ReadingSun Ra: Interviews & Essays
by Florence Wetzel
Sun Ra: Interviews & EssaysJohn Sinclair, editorSoftcover; 256 pagesISBN: 9781900486729Headpress2010 In a jazz world full of colorful characters, nobody shines as brilliantly as keyboardist and bandleader Sun Ra (1914-93). Born Herman Blount in Alabama, Ra demonstrated musical talent and aptitude for hard work from an early age. Despite health problems and run-ins with the United States military, his jazz career slowly blossomed, and from 1947-49 he landed ...
Continue ReadingSun Ra: College Tour Vol. 1
by Raul d'Gama Rose
Sun Ra College Tour Vol. 1ESP Disk2010 There is nothing quite as breathtaking as one of the early recordings of Sun Ra and his Arkestra. After his explosive and historic recordings The Heliocentric Worlds of Sun Ra Vol. IVol. II were first released in 1965 and 1966, modern music was never the same. It is, in fact, debatable that guitarist Jimi Hendrix was an early acolyte, as were so many musicians of the ...
Continue ReadingSun Ra Arkestra: Sunrise In Different Dimensions
by Chris May
Sun Ra ArkestraSunrise In Different DimensionshatOLOGY2010 (1980)
Sun Ra's discography is so vast, and its entry points so varied, that the late pianist and bandleader means a lot of different things to a lot of different people. For most, Ra is probably best known for orchestral performances of his space-related, inside/outside, original compositions. And if that's your bag, you'll find plenty to love on this reissued live recording, which features 71:04 minutes ...
Continue ReadingSun Ra Arkestra: Secrets Of The Sun & Live At The Paradox
by John Sharpe
Sun Ra & His Solar Arkestra Secrets Of The Sun Atavistic 2009 Sun Ra Arkestra Live At The Paradox In and Out Records 2009
In a world beset by economic crises, the continued existence of the Sun Ra Arkestra for over 55 years outside the mainstream is nothing short of miraculous and testament ...
Continue ReadingThe Sun Ra Arkestra at Cafe Oto, London
by John Sharpe
Sun Ra Arkestra Cafe Oto London, England 14 April 2010
A fantastic atmosphere enveloped Dalston's Cafe Oto with whoops and shouts of affirmation greeting every inflection and chant as the Sun Ra Arkestra launched into “Interplanetary Music," with vocal interjections erupting from all corners of the bandstand. With their colorful kaleidoscopic costumes, Cafe Oto decked out with extra lights and a spangly backdrop, and infectiously joyful music, it was impossible not to beam ...
Continue ReadingSun Ra Quartet in Italy, 1978
by Robert Dugan
The poet T.S. Eliot said “Mankind cannot take too much reality." Some people feel the same about keyboard player, bandleader and composer Sun Ra. Approaching Ra's output, both concert and studio recordings, can be daunting even for the initiated. Because the music was originally released in haphazard fashion, and has gone in and out of print on often obscure labels, it may seem near impossible to keep track of, let alone wrap your mind around. Some believe the work is ...
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