Back catalogue: Jazz

Review: Sun Ra's 1971 U.C. Berkeley lecture, "The Black Man in the Cosmos," has been officially released for the first time, revealing a previously unknown half-hour of cosmic insight from the visionary musician. In this newly unearthed session, Ra guides his students through thought-provoking ideas, underscored by the sound of chalk on the board, creating an almost meditative atmosphere. His soft-spoken yet powerful delivery touches on themes of space, existence, and identity. The lecture closes with two rare musical performancesia serene piano rendition of 'Love In Outer Space' and an electrifying 16-minute Moog synthesizer solo. These performances capture the boundless creativity that defined Ra's work during this pivotal time in his career. The audio, sourced from the Creative Audio Archive, has been carefully restored and transferred by Todd Carter, with Alex Inglizian handling the mastering. The release includes images of the original tape box and reel, featuring Ra's handwritten notes. Produced by John Corbett and packaged with care, this CD offers a rare glimpse into both the intellectual and musical genius of Sun Ra during a defining era of his artistic journey.

Review: This live album offers a thrilling snapshot of Sun Ra and his Myth Science Cosmo Swing Arkestra in their prime, captured at the Famous Ballroom in Baltimore in 1978. Featuring a blend of space age jazz, avant-garde improvisation and genre-defying energy, the performance showcases the group's unique sound, from interpretations of jazz standards to electrifying avant-garde explorations. The two-CD set brings together powerful moments of musical transcendence, including the deep grooves of 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' and 'Lady Bird', alongside experimental pieces like 'Thunder of Drums'. The album is a rich sonic journey, enhanced by the vibrant visuals from filmmaker Robert Mugge, who also contributed bonus tracks from his 1980 film. A strong sense of communal energy permeates the music, with Sun Ra's expansive vision guiding the Arkestra through complex rhythms and free-flowing improvisation. The set's deluxe packaging includes insightful essays and reflections, making it a great package to have to understand the full impact of Sun Ra's groundbreaking artistry.

Review: Strut Records' release of Inside the Light World: Sun Ra Meets the OVC unveils hidden gems from the legendary Sun Ra's repertoire. Recorded in 1986 at Mission Control studios, these tracks, originally spontaneous and never intended for formal release, offer a glimpse into Sun Ra's cosmic genius. The OVC, or Outer Space Visual Communicator, adds a unique dimension to the music, casting kaleidoscopic patterns onto a suspended screen above the performers. Developed by technological innovator Bill Sebastian, the OVC creates a keyboard-driven light show that enhances Sun Ra's already mesmerising performances. Thanks to Sebastian and Irwin Chusid's efforts, along with mix engineers Sean Slade and Brother Cleve, the session tapes were restored and pieced together, resulting in one of Sun Ra's finest releases. Sebastian's personal connection to Sun Ra's music, stemming from a transformative live show experience in the early 1970s, adds depth to the album's narrative. This CD package includes extensive liner notes and an insightful interview with Sebastian, offering fans a comprehensive look into this captivating collaboration. Inside the Light World is a release you need to check whether you are a fan or new to his work.