The
Sun Ra Arkestra looks both forward and backward in time on this obscure small-label LP. Ten years earlier, one could not have imagined
Ra and his men romping through "The Sunny Side of the Street" or reinventing "Flamingo." However, those versions certainly sound quite original, and there is no mistaking the band for any other orchestra on "Space Fling," "Manhattan Cocktail," and the trademark "Space Is the Place." The music on this album features a version of
the Arkestra consisting of six reeds (including
John Gilmore and
Marshall Allen), three trumpets (including Michael Ray and
Eddie Gale), two trombones (with a young
Robin Eubanks), the French horn of
Vincent Chancey, guitarist Dale Williams, three bassists, four percussionists, singer
June Tyson, and the leader's keyboards. A stimulating set. [This release was remastered and co-produced by
Michael D. Anderson (of the
Sun Ra Music Archive) and
Irwin Chusid, under the auspices of
Sun Ra LLC, the heirs of the late music legend. Original session tapes were used when available and sound quality should surpass all previous CD/digital editions.] ~ Scott Yanow