Haverford College, Jan. 25, 1980: Vinyl LP
LPMH8270BLabel: Modern Harmonic
Release Date: 6th October
Look, I'm record shop folk and sometimes I find Sun Ra a little tricky, it's a frenetic sound of planets smashing and at times, can be a bit 'Ok, I love you Sunny but it's bit much at the moment'. So here's a record for when you want to be orbiting the free jazz maestro's universe but want it a bit more chill. Here he is, just him and a Fender Rhodes delivering what I can best describe as 'intergalactic lullabies'.
Note: If this is your gateway to Sun Ra, none of his other records sound remotely like this.
oothing Sounds for Saturnians! Sun Ra, notorious for his aggressive keyboard attack and seemingly schizophrenic stylings, here offers a unique selection playing the celeste-like Fender Rhodes electric piano, which has a distinct sound (think Doors' "Riders on the Storm") and an interesting history
This is Ra sound at his most relaxed and contemplative state.
This Sun Ra 1980 solo set at Haverford College has been kicking around the internet and in the digital libraries of Ra collectors for years, though it has not previously been properly mastered or commercially issued. Like many events in Ra's history, this gig has a story that goes beyond the music. Ra's presence onstage that night came about through an unforeseen chain of events that unfolded up until concert time.
This is a very unique performance. Sun Ra is notorious for his aggressive keyboard attack and seemingly schizophrenic stylings-- which can musically rocket from A to Z and back without transitional bridges.
This set offers a marked contrast. Ra's instrument here is the celeste-like Fender Rhodes electric piano, which has a distinct sound (instantly recognizable in the Doors' "Riders on the Storm") and an interesting history. There are few pyrotechnics in this performance, and much restraint. Ra sounds relaxed and contemplative. It's Soothing Sounds for Saturnians. - Irwin Chusid
Love In Outer Space
Haverford Impromptu 1
Rhapsody In Blue
St. Louis Blues
Medley: Intro- Space Is The Place- Over The Rainbow
Haverford Impromptu 2
We Live To Be (previously unissued)
Take The A Train (previously unissued)