Media Dreams

Live recordings, previously unreleased (or unavailable), of Sun Ra performing in Italy, winter 1977-78, perhaps the very most “twisted”, bizarre stuff ever done by Sun Ra (and that’s saying A LOT): heavy on the analog synth, incorporating primitive drum machines. Very much bordering on the experimental genre, experimental Moog But then the drums will enter, and trumpet playing that is like a quantum leap above even Miles Davis appear. It is the humble opinion of this reviewer that what you hold in your hand is the best thing Sun Ra ever did, and is a good substitute for psychedelic drugs.

All tracks amazing, bizarre (but don’t fear: tracks 5,6 veer back to earth, taking a more “jazz” approach, still, the best stuff you’ll ever hear)

1) some pretty dark synths, just a slow intro of sorts
2) THIS IS THE SHIT!!, “mall one-man-band” Wurlitzer sound, a peppy happy rhythm that your drunk uncle would find on the cheap organ in the basement, but over the rhythm you find Sun Ra playing the most bizarre anti melodies, then trumpet playing bursting in and out that makes Miles Davis seem clean and sober, play this track if it’s the last thing you ever do
3) freaky collage of sorts of synth tones, drums, bursts, some “calling planet earth” chants, ends with a kick ass drum solo
4) long, more mindful improvisation with lots of bizarre synth elements, amazing trumpets, a subtle drum machine
5) this has a “standard” jazz feel where all instruments take a solo, very different from rest, could pass for 60’s era, Coltrane stylings, primo sax playing
6) just beautiful slow mindful piano centered jazz, piano takes off into bizarro-land at times, like what would be playing live in a smokey bar, if that bar were in heaven