Sun Ra – Horizon LP

Description

This rare platter contains material documented duringSun Raand hisArkestra‘s first Egyptian visit, and as such is exceedingly important inRa‘s voluminous canon, as much of his personal and historical mythology is centered there. The selections onHorizon(1974) were recorded at the Ballon Theater in Cairo on December 17, 1971, and was sponsored by the Egyptian Ministry of Culture. While even more of the tour exists in private tape collections, this is one of the only discs to have been issued — though in very limited numbers — making it a real treat for free jazz aficionados. The opening, ” Starwatchers/Theme of the Stargazers” medley begins with a choral chant and solo fromJohn Gilmore(tenor sax/percussion) before the entireArkestradive headlong into a languid free jazz jam that evolves slowly into an intense flute and alto sax run withDanny Davis(flute), Hakim Rahim (flute), andLarry Northington(alto sax).Ra‘s mini-Moog is atonal and schizophrenic as his sharp staccato inflections pierce the soundscape overtop of theArkestra. The recording is far from perfect, as the musicians move in and out of microphone range, however, there is suitable fidelity when discerning the band as they ebb and swell aroundRa‘s ferocious performance. Both “Discipline 2” as well as “Discipline 8” are variations of theArkestrastandard, and each is unequivocally unique. Albeit brief, another highlight is the “Space Is the Place” chant and free jazz processional, allowing the combo to interact at their most melodic — on this disc, anyway. Students and enthusiasts of avant-garde jazz — especially ofSun Ra— should actively seek copies of this LP for a thoroughly enjoyable sonic excursion that rises to the auspicious occasion. -All Music Guide