Sun Ra And His Arkestra - Live In Montreux

Year of Release: 2003
Label: Horizon
Catalog Number: n/a
Format: CD
Total Time: 00:00:00

Probably the one song that explains and defines what the music of Sun Ra is about is "We Travel the Spaceways." It puts things into prospective for a career known for being outlandish and experimental. Horizon (a subsidiary of Comet Records) re-released Live At Montreux (1976) in 2003 on a beautiful 180-Gram vinyl gatefold LP set. I am certain jazz-fusion fans across this great globe applauded their efforts. To become acquainted with the legend of the great Sun Ra & His Arkestra is an experience that is beyond words. You see, Sun Ra built his musical ark to explore jazz and all its dimensions, even though he was in his own dimension or universe mind you, he certainly left an impression upon us all and certainly influenced many young musicians looking for something out of the ordinary to develop in their repertoire.

This live set is an extraordinary documentation of his many talents as a bandleader, arranger and producer. I know I am not alone with these feelings?I find this music odd at times and even annoying, particularly when the off-key woodwind instruments are part of the mix, even so, I am fascinated and hypnotized by this avant-garde experience time and again. In the same token, once the free form style comes to a complete stop during a composition, it sounds quite normal and contemporary. The transitions, odd time signatures, and variety are what make this music unique. Sun Ra was a special person, a true to form innovator and master of his art. If you never had the pleasure of witnessing this man perform live before his passing you have reason to be grateful for albums such as this, I know I feel that way every time I listen to this music.

Tracklisting:
Side A: For the Sunrise / Of the Other Tomorrow / From Out Where Others Dwell / On Sound Infinity Spheres

Side B: The House Of Eternal Being / Gods Of The Thunder Realm / Lights On A Satellite

Side C: Piano Intro / Take The 'A' Train

Side D: Prelude / El Is the Sound of Joy / Encore 1 / Encore 2 / We Travel the Spaceways

Musicians:
Sun Ra - organ, piano, arranger, Moog synthesizer, producer
Ahmed Abdullah - trumpet
John Gilmore - tensor sax
Marshall Allen - flute, alto sax
Clifford Jarvis - drums
Cheryl Bank - dancer
Tony Bunn - bass (electric)
Hayes Burnett - bass
Chris Capers - trumpet
Vincent Chancey - French horn
Al Evans - trumpet
Judith Holton - dancer
Reggie Hudgins - soprano sax
Stanley Morgan - conga
Pat Patrick - flute, baritone sax
June Tyson - vocals, dancer
Elo Omo - bass clarinet
Danny Davis - flute, alto sax
James 'Ham' Jackson - bassoon, Egyptian drum
Larry Bright - drums

Discography:
It's extensive, an almost complete discography can be found at www.dpo.uab.edu/~moudry or at allmusic.com. We've reviewed those listed below: Sun Ra & The Blues Project-The Sensational Guitars Of Dan & Dale - Batman And Robin (1966/2001)
Live In Paris At The 'Gibus' (1971/2003)
Live In Montreux (1976/2003)

Genre: Other

Origin VA

Added: January 27th 2004
Reviewer: Keith "Muzikman" Hannaleck
Score:
Artist website: www.dpo.uab.edu/~moudry
Hits: 2183
Language: english