Sun Ra Music

This 2-CD set was released in February 2008 and is a companion to Disco 3000, as both chronicle Sun Ra's experimental 1978 concert tour of Italy.

Utilizing a Crumar Mainman synthesizer - which allowed for pre-programmed bass lines and electronic percussion - Sun Ra was on the cutting-edge of what was soon to become a revolution of sound in the avant-garde/free jazz movement.

The band is down to a quartet, with John Gilmore (s), Michael Ray (t) and Luqman Ali (d) filling in the spaces to Sun Ra's sonic vision, while being given the space to blast off into incredible solos. The most solid performances are Constellation and the title track.

The original tape source had deteriorated, so there are rough spots in the recording. But the historical importance of this tour makes for a satisfying journey.

Given that this was recorded by the same quartet that produced the wonderful Disco 3000, I truly looked forward to another chapter of Mr. Mystery's Italian sojourn. But upon cracking open the package, it was not especially encouraging to read that the master that this was produced from was in terrible shape and missing several cuts from the original album (!). I also have to say that the second disc here, while not deficient neither is especially exemplary. However, the first disc is fairly packed with some uniquely mind melting material. Sonny does some amazing things with the rare Crumar synth, and Gilmore pushes his tenor to places where no horn has gone before.

Altogether, I think I prefer this to Disco, which is more consistent, but does not push the envelope near as much. I'm very happy to have gotten my hands on some of the fabled Italian stuff as it represents something of a highlight relatively late in Ra's creative period. (How much music did this guy pump out?)

i've got more than 70 sun ra cd's. this is one of the best. five live cd's featuring the best free musicians available. you just read their names: archie shepp, john gilmore, don cherry, marshall allen and so on. what are you waiting for? go and buy it!

more modern jazz than funky time, which was the impression I had from their concert in central park in july 05.

"Mystery Mr. Ra" provides a fascinating look at a most incredibly talented and misunderstood (by his own designs) musician who shaped the world of jazz according to a brilliant cosmic schema. Outstanding performances by Sun Ra, alto saxist Marshall Allen, tenorist John Gilmore and the rest of the Arkestra, with some tantalizing insights into Ra's philosophy and life mission. My only complaint is a lack of English subtitles: the narration and Archie Shepp's brief interview are in French; only Ra speaks in English. This did not, however, really diminish my enjoyment of the video. Highly recommended for viewers who like their jazz on the outside.