Sun Ra Music

Depends on your taste of course. What is music to one may be noise to another. To me this is noise - an atonal, arhythmic sonic mess for the most part. Here and there you get glimpses of melody, but it limps alongside murky, inarticulate accompanient, and goes nowhere in the end. The whole sound is so murky and ill-defined that it's hard to tell who plays what, and what song they are on. This will probably appeal to fans of Cecil Taylor and Ornette Coleman.

If you love Sun Ra you don't need to know what it sounds like. This is a much stripped down recording, really emphasizing Ra's electronic keys, and a lot of percussion. It goes by fast, topped by the over 20 minute nominal behemoth solo.
This disk is a nice companion to Night of the Purple Moon and I'd have loved it if the guys had stretched "Mu" out a bit longer. It's quite quirky and addictive.

I'm much more into the late sixties early 70s electric experimental Ra, so take that into consideration when choosing!

This is not the big band material from "space is the place". This is a much more intimate sampling of sounds. Joyful Noise.

You think Pink Floyd is trippy and out there? Roger Waters and David Gilmour bow down to the great Sun Ra. That being said, Pink Floyd fans and stoners (often times one category) will love Sun Ra. In an age where Ornette Coleman and John Coltrane were criticized for straying way too far away from Jazz's orgins, Sun Ra was already leaps and bounds ahead of them. Sun Ra is the apex of Avant-Garde and Experimental Jazz. To the untrained ear of those unfamiliar with Ra, this may sound uneven and sloppily composed. But you couldn't be anymore wrong. That's the genius of avant-garde art - it may seem poorly conceived on the surface, but underneath its thought out and pays close attention to details. This is one of Sun Ra's best albums, and a good place to go from after "Space Is the Place" or "Easy Listening For Intergalatic Travel" (the two starting points in your Ra enjoyment). The lack of production, minimalist and at times primative organ playing, and the very small band add to an atmosphere of the outer limits that any Space Age Pop artist couldn't dream to create. In other words, classic Ra. Not the greatest starting place to get acquainted with the genius, but a classic nonetheless.

...I think alot of people give this album too much credit. Sometimes you cannot heap lavish praise upon something simply because it is different, and breaks the mold of preconcieved notions formerly held of any particular genre. At this, Sun Ra excells brilliantly, rewriting what could be recorded for a jazz label at an early historical date like no one who has come before or since. That however does not merit placing this album up on a pedestal, for we must detatch the significance the album played in the evolution of avant garde jazz from the actual contents of the disc. For the most part I find the playing on this disc to be extremely over-indulgent and pretentious. Yes, there are some facinating moments where everything clicks, particularly when the creative use of perrcussion is employed to organize so much of that sloppy noise that Ra was putting out. The production is also extremely low quality and I feel that this does nothing to compliment the material. Basically, aside from a few hints that clue in the listener as to the pedigree of musicians being recorded, this could almost be passed over as a bunch of college jazz stoners in their garage improvising tributes to the Coltrane Interstellar Space free-jazz era meterial.

Certainly there is some very good music on this album, but I've always thought this album was overated. The shorter pieces suffer from a lack of cohesiveness and ramble on a bit in a laid back, offhand way. They don't really go anywhere. The long centerpiece composition "Atlantis" is for the most part an organ workout for Ra and is by turns extremely aggressive, spacey and ultimately exhausting. There are some great passages but its just too long. I would recommend "The Heliocentric Worlds of Sun Ra Vol. 1", or the truly magical "Magic City" or "Other Planes of There" before Atlantis. Those albums all contain long compositions that are more rewarding. Heliocentric Worlds is comprised of smaller pieces that flow into one another creating in effect one long suite. I'm not saying Atlantis isn't worth having because it is, just that there are better Sun Ra albums out there that you might want to pick up first.

The history of the record - Ra recorded it in 1957 for Transition, but they went out of business and it didn't come out until 1968. Transition did release a Ra album in 1956, "Sun Song", before they went under. So Ra had practically no visibility in the consumer market until the late 60's, while making incredible music. He released two albums on his own Saturn label (small-scale)in 1956 and 57, "SuperSonic Jazz" and "Jazz in Silhouette", and later released many sessions from the late 50's on his Saturn label; these are now available on CDs on the Evidence labels. One Saturn that he put out in 1967 (before this material had been issued by anyone) contained 4 of the tracks recorded here ("Sun Ra Visits Planet Earth", Side B of the Saturn LP and tracks 1 - 4 of the must-have Evidence CD).

The session here is a good one though I feel the mastering is not as good as on the louder Evidence releases (the 4 tracks lifted from here sound stronger on "Visits Planet Earth", with all frequencies boosted). Had this been released in 1957, it could have and should have been well acclaimed and might have thrust Ra into the limelight. The tracks are lovely orchestrated big-band jazz.

Be aware, this album has NOTHING to do with the "Batman" TV series or any of the movies. Aside from the cover art, a riff on the TV series theme song, and the song titles, there is nothing here that is related to the "Batman" franchise. That said - this is a true "flash from the past", music that you might have heard in numerous smaller clubs across the United States during the mid-1960's. While others have dismissed it, my fave cut is "Flight of the Batman" complete with the silly sound effects and the echo. C'mon, it's just plain FUN and so reminiscent of the "garage bands" I enjoyed locally. Bottom line - if you are looking for a TV or movie soundtrack, you will be disappointed. However, if you want some fun 1960s music, enjoy!

Time to give credit where due! I heard this album over and over from about age 5 until maybe age 10 and, admittedly, it sunk in. However, to hear it now, in my forties, and as a self-described connoisseur of music, I'm quite impressed! I'm eclectic about my favorite tracks, but here goes:

"Batman and Robin Over the Roofs" has a real 'sixties funk sound that perhaps only someone from that era can relate to, but the groove is so engaging I think the song will capture anyone with a soul and perhaps a vivid imagination. As it goes for nearly seven minutes and fades, I think you'll beg for more of the same.

"Batmobile Wheels" is, alas, J. S. Bach(maybe!)-inspired, if you believe "Minuet in G Major" to be Bach's composition. The solo horn (perhaps french horn) is not credited on the album, but deserves kudos for originality with a mid-'sixties semi-comical ad-lib, reminiscent of TV series music of the time (e.g The Flintstones and other Hanna Barbera creations).

Finally, the track that literally takes my breath away is The Riddler's Retreat, with it's pseudo surf city trans-inducing riffs. That must be Marshall Allen on alto-sax. Sweet!! If you hear this one with your eyes closed, don't be surprised if black and white images of 'sixties beach scenes are conjured up. Oh, and let's not forget the guitar sound here. There's a bit of early Beatles sound, ala "She Loves You."

Overall, it's a great album for 'sixties instrumental music lovers who don't mind some classics sampling, such as the Bach sound mentioned earlier, some Hell's Angels theme heard in Batman's Baymorang (sic), and even some of Chopin's "Militaire", heard in Penguin's Umbrella. You might even love what Sun Ra & The Blues Project has done with these pieces from the distant past. Enjoy!

Alright, we know what this is, so here's a simple breakdown:

The title track is a classic rockin' R&B version of the Batman theme, "Batman and Robin Over the Roofs" is an excellent jam and "Robin's Theme" is smokin'!!

"Batman and Robin Swing" is the most interesting of the classically based pieces, "Batmobile Wheels" has fairly interesting classical brass hooks, "Riddler's Retreat" is a quite nice classical sax rendition.

"Penguin Chase" is an odd organ workout with a surf solo nearly ending like a sick Eugene Chadboune bit; while "Flight of the Batman" is uninspired R&B (about like a Boots Randolph cover band except with penny whistle, oddball sound effects, ghoulish laughter and a nice guitar solo!?); and "Joker Is Wild" starts as pedestrian Blues based Surf with a great harmonica, then gets in the groove when the bizarre effect laden Jews harp drops in!? These three fall into the fairly goofy novelty category, but if you're digging the mood of this album; essential.

"Penguin's Umbrella" is repetitive classical, and "The Bat Cave" is just standard blues riffage; and neither one is particularly worth keeping unless you've loved this album since elementary school.

For those who like the quirkyness of Sun Ra, or early electric caucasian Blues; this album would be of historic value to you. Admitedly, the concept of marrying these two bands together to do R&B meets Surf covering Classical is intriguing, and there's a good chance it will grow on you. If musical intellectualism and over-analysis ain't for you; it's straight-forward innocent fun too!

I still have the LP of this album and was very glad to get the CD. Although this is not the original TV theme music, it is very close and certainly has all the 60's feel of the original...

The Batman Theme is the main reason for most folks buying this album but my favorite piece is The Joker is Wild...and I didn't see this cut on any other Batman album.

If you're looking for great 60s, discoteque style music, this is a great album!

I LOVE THIS ALBUM. Seriously. Track 2/Batman's Batmorang (sic) is one of my favorite all-time jams. Why? I don't know. I love the horns for one.

Batman and Robin over the Roofs? It's almost seven amazing minutes long.
This album is ALL OVER THE PLACE. Jazz, Blues, Rock, Surf (Punk) Guitar!
There is not a real bum track here except maybe the overly silly "Flight of the Batman" with the penny whistle (?) sound effects.
The guitar in The Penguin Chase is pure Surf Guitar! Dig the harmonica in there too.
If he's been alive I'd swear that Joe Meek would have been behind this!

Today, 30 July 2007, was the first time I'd heard this album since I was
15 and I recalled note for note at least 9 tracks! I wore out 2 vinyl
copies of this as a kid and I still have one worn copy in my collection.

I might have tried to play that but I forgot about this missing link until last week when 2 co-workers named Dan and Dale were talking to me and I said ......'whoa' kinda like Keanu Reeves.
That got me looking. And allmusic.com told me who Dan & Dale really were and even gave this jem a 4 star rave.
I found a mint vinyl copy and this import CD. I bought the CD first.
I have played this 4 times now and I am not insane or tired of it yet.

Well, maybe I'm insane.
I had NO idea Sun Ra or any of Al Kooper's group played on this until I read allmusic.com's write up of the Mythical "Dan & Dale".
Listening to it now it makes no difference. It still sounds like some surf/blues/jazz band jamming in a studio. Honestly, I am very schooled in music but I never would have thought this to be Steve Katz, Sun Ra or anybody THAT famous.
Heck, I thought Dan & Dale might be playing a state fair somewhere this week.

Buy this album. Myth or Not: it's GREAT! It's NOT a kiddy album.
Now someone tell me if "Batmobile Wheels" riff is from another tune!
Please

And then I remember that it is a Soul Note release and they are somewhat hard to get in the United States (of Occassionally Willful Ignorance).
There is no real star here as well. John Tchicai was probably most famous as a 60s firebrand of free jazz who helped to found such groups as the New York Contemporary Five. He has mellowed over the years but is still an intelligent and searching player of both the tenor sax and the bass clarinet.
Garrison Fewell (I am sad to admit) was new to me. He apparently studied with the likes of Pat Martino and Lenny Breu. He plays in a straight-ahead, classical toned style. He is superb comper and solos to good effect (especially on Yogi in Disguise).
Tino Tracanna is known (in Europe) for his sophisticated composing and playing. He can play in any format and is lyrical even for an Italian (that is a compliment, by the way).
Paolino Dalla Porta graces the pages of Amazon only for his work with Stefano Battaglia. His own CD, "Esperanto" should be how he is known. I would recommend it over this CD. He is the possessor of an unusally large double bass and an even bigger sound. He solos only on Simplicity. Let us just say he makes good use of it.
Finally, Massimo Manzi, is a great Italian studio drummer on too many CDs to mention. He has worked before with Tracanna and with Dalla Porta.
The three leads share the compositional duties and most of the solo space. The music here seems to me to be a sort of contemporary version of Tristano. Chromatic Cool. There are some stand outs (Simplicity, X-Ray Vision and Yogi In Disguise among others) but nothing that strikes me as likely to enter the tradition. Another way to put it is that these compositions almost seem if they were written before Ornette Coleman came on to the scene.
But the problem for me may be the performances. Everybody seems so relaxed (or maybe so determined not to grab the spotlight in a collective effort) that no one really grabs my attention and makes it urgent for me to listen to them. Tracanna is the best of the lot especially on the soprano. But I have heard him play better on his own CDs.
So for me, for now, this is a good CD, one that I will listen to sometimes but not frequently. Perhaps, on future listening, I will hear more. Or perhaps, someone else will review it and reveal to me what I am missing.
For now, I suggest that you seek out Dalla Porta's Esperanto or Tracanna's "292" also on the Splasc(h) label. As always, write me if you have trouble finding them.

With nearly 165 minutes of music, the 2-CD set captures the incredible performance art of Sun Ra and the improvisational splendor of the Arkestra to make every concert a sonic experience, with a personal message.

Released in December 1998, the first CD - Black Myth - is paced by Black Forest Myth and We'll Wait For You. Out In Space finds Sun Ra stretching themes within an avant-garde soundscape, as Myth Versus Reality and Theme of the Stargazers are pathways to Space Chants Medley and We Travel the Spaceways.

The quenching of thirst through knowledge gained for the mind, body and soul are brought forth by the musical majesty of Sun Ra.

Sun Ra and his various Arkestras have a well-earned reputation for being ahead of thier time. Never more so than on this set which captures them live in two complete concerts in the early 1970s. The first piece on the second CD, "Out In Space," sums up the various moods of Ra's music of the period. It begins with a spacey drone; June Tyson then enters chanting Ra's poem followed an earth-shattering blare from the entire Arkestra that will either set your hair on end or send chills up your spine, depending on how you feel about this sort of "free" playing. Solos by all of the Ra stalwarts are played that explore most the tonal possilitites of their various instruments. The CD's notes are particularly helpful here, listing each soloist in his/her order of appearance. This music is not for everyone. But die-hard Ra fans, or music fans who like envelope bending should not pass this one up!

I have been a fan of RA since "Do You Call My Name" was released on the radio. I would call the band's third studio release a culmination of the best elements of the prior releases "From One" and "Duality". From the beginning track "Broken Hearted Soul" to the last track "Easier than This", BLACK SUN keeps the amazing melodies/harmonies and pounding guitar riffs coming through and through.

What amazes me most is the fact that the band recorded and produced this release themselves. And to be honest, I think it is their best sounding release thus far. I truly do not understand why this band isn't plastered all over the radio with the likes of Three Doors Down and Nickelback. If you like straight forward hard driven mainstream rock and haven't heard this band yet, you are missing out. Sahaj Ticotin is by far one of the best vocalists on the scene today!

Or so you would think.

My introduction to Ra came about when I went into a local FYE with a handful of cash and a cd player with an appetite. I came across the hard copy of 'From One', and was so impressed by the album cover I bought it on a whim. Why shouldn't I have, with thirteen dollars to lose, and a timeless classic to gain, what choice could I have made.

I played From One to the point the bottom half of the album nearly turned black. Songs such as 'Only', 'Sky', 'Rectifier', 'High Sensitivity' and 'On My Side' had such multilayered elements of talent embedded into every second of music it was almost impossible not to succomb to an obsessive affair with it. The production, and sound quality on that album was fantastic (for it's time), and you were presented with a group with unlimited potential, and the presence of mind to capitalize on that potential.

In between the releases of 'From One' and their 2005 sophmore album 'Duality', I had begun my personal music career as a hip hop artist, which required a great deal of dedication to the genre. I had not even been aware of Ra releasing 'Duality' until I breezed by it in the same FYE I had aquired 'From One' in. I purchased it without even a first thought. I will be the first one to admit that nine times out of ten, I prefer 'Duality' to 'From One'.. the elegant, moody compositions coupled with the aggressive skull crushers that completely validated the concept of the album were too superb to deny. From the moment the cinematic intro exploded into 'Fallen Angels' all the way until the conclusion of the album it was obvious that these guys had no direction left other than upwards.

Or so it seemed.

The interim between 'Duality' and 'Black Sun' have been well-documented, and I will not waste your time by having you read about it, when you could just as easily enjoy the 'From One'-esque gem 'Waste Of Space'.

The title of 'Black Sun' is truely befitting of this album. This is a very dark album, to put it as simply as possible. 'Broken Hearted Soul' being by far the most tame track on the album in terms of thought provocation, makes for one of the most fun listens. Yet it is in the song that we encounter the most critical failure of 'Black Sun'. Just about every song on this album is excellent. However, while listening it feels as though these songs are just one notch below the level of execution that they were built to me. Perhaps the previous two albums have heightened our expectations.

'Lost Along The Way', "Waste of Space', and the pleasant 'I Believe Again', round out the superb midsection of this album, leading us into the formidable, yet subdued tail end. It is in the first act this album truely shines.

'The First Step' is classic 'From One' era instrumentation and cinematic sound, yet updated with newfound sound quality. The inclusion of the popular B-Side 'Don't Turn Away' is definitely a big plus, considering it would've gone down as the best Ra song to never see a studio release had it not been on, and the updated version of it only ices the cake.

The highlight of this album comes in the supercharged 'Faulty Information', which may quite possibly be the best song Ra has released to date. So potent is this song that it almost weighs the album down simply because the other songs just aren't quite on it's level. While it may frustrate some to know that there is a clear divide between the "best", and "worst" songs on the album, it should serve as a reminder that Ra always leapfrog over their previous albums, each time they release a new one. I just think that this time they just came up a little short, but that does not mean that they shouldn't be carried upon their own shoulders. This is a fantastic album, and is more than enough to satisfy fans until their next release.

4 out of 5 stars.

For a heavy rock band like Ra, it hasn't been easy. Having gone through two record labels, they've gone the independent way for their third studio release Black Sun. Without abandoning the Duality sound while also incorporating what made From One a fan favorite, this is easily their best record next to their first. What shocks me is that I haven't heard these guys on the radio since '02, and while they're not a total radio band, you'd think this would be played relentlessly like Seether or Breaking Benjamin, who in my opinion are lesser bands compared to Ra. So whether you haven't heard these guys before or you've been a fan, do check these guys out.

I have followed these guys for years now. For the life of me I don't understand how these guys are not know by everyone. This is an intense piece of work. I am not a fan of the "Raw" cd but this is in the same league as "From One" and "Duality". Ra are real musician and artist. That is a rare thing in music today with all the manufactured bands on the radio. This may be the most emotional release for them yet. They are trying to survive in the music world on their own terms and that is a challenge to say the least. Self produced, self promoted, and self managed is an impressive thing. The music is smooth and thoughtful. I wish the world would finally discover these guys. Radio has ignored them.

If you want something that is different and crosses many styles of music check this out. Its worth buying

First of all, this album is light years away from a masterpiece. I will try to be as succinct as possible to get my point across. From One was good, Duality was great, and Black Sun is pathetic. Problem with this albums: Most songs sound the same especially the choruses. I am a very open music fan but I haven't been this musically disappointed in a long time. The best songs are the ones that were released before the album even dropped. With the exceptions of Faulty Information, Broken Hearted Soul, and Don't Turn Away, there really isn't much intriguing about this album. They built it up to be the greatest album ever and instead of making songs from the HEART they made an album bad mouthing genocides and their former record label. I think I'm speaking for the majority of Ra fans when I say that the songs we need are On My Side, Tell Me, Superman, Taken, Say You Will, Swimming Upsteam, Sky. Things of the nature. Real songs. My theory is good tunes are good tunes but this is just poor work compared to their previous efforts. They are not connecting with the listener with these songs. Cheesy lyrics as well to most choruses. Faulty Information stands out from the rest and the album should be modeled around that song and that style. I listen to Duality religiously and I listen to Black Sun seldomly. Huge let down. Go back to the songs about emotions and love and not about your record label problems. Fans care but don't want to hear songs about it. Fans want to hear about songs they can relate to; those are the best songs.