Christopher Eddy from Sun Ra Arkive: The
story of the Sun Ra’s master tapes is almost mythological. They were recorded
in a large variety of manners—from professional studio dates to live and
rehearsal recordings. There are stories of master tapes and copies of tapes
spread across the world in chaos. Michael Anderson was Sun Ra’s self-appointed
archivist shortly after he joined the band in the late 1970s, and I know he has
spent years trying to bring order and honor to the chaos. What can you tell us
about the official archive and the physical state and breadth of the
collection?
Irwin Chusid, Administrator for Sun Ra
LLC: With due deference to Michael, the status of
the tapes is a topic I would prefer that he address publicly—if he’s
inclined. I’d simply say that, considering the difficult life circumstances and
severe financial strain he faces on a daily basis, Michael is doing the best he
can. He works constantly. He needs an assistant, but can’t afford to pay one.
He has had offers from academic settings and professional archives who are
willing to accept custody of the tapes. But to Michael, this is unacceptable
because he would lose immediate access to the reels and relinquish control of
the collection. He has ambitious plans, but no capital to pursue them.
We do have an agreement in place that if
anything happens to Michael, I can take legal possession of the tapes and hold
them for safekeeping. My impulse would be to get those tapes into a
professional, non-profit archive, knowing that the inherent rights in the
recordings and compositions would be retained by Sun Ra LLC.
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Sun Ra Arkestra Angels and Demons at Play Side A Master Tape Box.
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© 2001-2017 Sun Ra Arkive.
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