Christopher Eddy from Sun Ra Arkive: From
the initial batch of Sun Ra reissues that are available from the iTunes Store,
what are the top five that you would suggest to newcomers, or a classic jazz
aficionado that hasn’t explored his music yet? On the flip side, what are the
five titles you would suggest to a seasoned expert, as far a sound quality
improvements, new mixes and rarities?
Irwin Chusid, Administrator for Sun Ra
LLC: Bear in mind that we’ve only restored selected
albums between 1956 and 1972, so any recommendations from our catalog are older
releases.
For jazz buffs, these are essential:
Jazz in Silhouette (with previous
unreleased stereo mixes)
For seasoned fans:
Continuation Vol. 2: All
tracks had first been released a few years ago on a limited run CD by Corbett
vs. Dempsey, but the tracks on the CD contained numerous flaws, which have been
fixed on the digital release.
Monorails and Satellites, Vol. 2:
Very rare 1966 solo piano LP, which has not been previously reissued in any
format.
Secrets of the Sun: Several bonus
tracks and a significant sound upgrade from the Atavistic CD. We omitted the
17-minute Atavistic bonus track, “Flight to Mars,” because the tape wavers
throughout the entire performance and cannot be repaired. I have no idea why
anyone would release this track before a miracle plug-in is introduced which
can normalize wavering pitch.
Universe in Blue: Another very rare
live LP ca. 1970 which had not previously been reissued in any format.
And though it’s not a Mastered for
iTunes reissue, I highly recommend The Other Side of the Sun. Recorded in
1978-79, it reminds me of a slightly higher fidelity Choreographer’s Workshop
session. It’s accessible and soulful.
Christopher Eddy from Sun Ra Arkive: On
behalf of us Sun Ra fans everywhere, I’d like to thank you and your team again
for your excellent and admirable work. We look forward to hearing and enjoying
the fruits of your labor in the future, wish you the greatest success, and look
forward to talking to you again.
© 2001-2017 Sun Ra Arkive.
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2 comments:
Yay! I'm tickled pink that Irwin is on the case. Best of luck with all endeavor. Fan since the age of 8, thanks to my dad bringing home the 99 cent ESP Sampler. And so it warms my heart that Ra continues to be embraced by the young folk out there.
Let me also chime in my agreement with the statements of rev.b and ritzbird.
Obviously, Mr. Chisud didn't take time to assay Adventure Equation, if he had he would have understood that AE was (I emphasize 'was'.) the world's best repository of information, news and developments concerning Sun Ra. It by far exceeded in value any contribution he is likely to make to Ra's lasting legacy. AE made no money, solicited no contributions, it devoted itself solely to one thing only, Sun Ra. Otherwise obscure and esoteric publications like those of
Norton and Art Yard were reviewed, samples played and encouragement rendered to purchase the originals. I am a Ra aficionado and ninety percent of
what was at AE about Ra, I didn't know.
It was really gracious of Mr. Chisud to grant Yotte his first amendment rights, don't you think? As for me, I won't be purchasing any more Roaratorio, Art Yard, and Norton products. I would encourage all of AE's readers to do the same, that way they can have their 'exclusive right' to nothing.
It is obvious to me that Mr. Chisud doesn't understand Ra's legacy, who he is, his cosmology, and whom he belongs to: us, not corporatists however well-meaning they my be. He saw the potential for a few pittances and leveled his impertinent legalisms against us. I'm sure Ra wouldn't want to see Mr. Chisud win the day. AE made more money for the above merchants than its closure will make for them. How foolish, I never thought Michael Anderson would allow such bad judgment to be exercised in the name of Sun Ra.
Who's next, Charles Blass, WKCR, KFJC, Blackclassical, Sun Radio. You just can't have anything beautiful in this world before greed destroys it.
Best to All Ra-philes
Jim
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