Sun Ra - The Futuristic Sounds Of Sun Ra (1961)

Sun Ra's only release for the Savoy label is a gem. Recorded in October of 1961, this is probably the first recording the Arkestra made after arriving in New York. As such, you're dealing with a smallish Arkestra (seven main instrumentalists, joined by vocalist Ricky Murray on "China Gate") that's still playing the boppish, highly arranged music characteristic of the Chicago years (1954-1961).

Ra sticks to acoustic piano for the entire session, but various percussion instruments are dispersed throughout the band, giving a slightly exotic flavor to some of the tunes. John Gilmore plays bass clarinet on a couple tunes (as well as some great tenor solos), and Marshall Allen's flute playing is excellent, as always.

This album was produced by Tom Wilson, who also produced the first Sun Ra LP, "Jazz by Sun Ra" (1956) for the Transition label, later reissued by Delmark as "Sun Song" (Wilson later went on to sign the Mothers of Invention to Verve and "electrified" Bob Dylan). With the exception of "The Beginning," all the tunes are very accessible. This is one to play for the mistaken folks who think the Arkestra did nothing but make noise. Excellent.

Tracklist:

A1	Bassism
A2	Of Wounds And Something Else
A3	What's That
A4	Where Is Tomorrow
A5	The Beginning
A6	China Gates Vocals – Ricky Murray
B1	New Day
B2	Tapestry From An Asteroid
B3	Jet Flight
B4	Looking Outward
B5	Space Jazz Reverie

Sun Ra - The Futuristic Sounds Of Sun Ra (1961)
(256 kbps, cover art included)