Search - Sun Ra :: Cosmos

The Stars Come Out To Swing on COSMOS!

Michael F. Hopkins | Buffalo, NY USA | 12/23/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"COSMOS is quintessential Sun Ra. Originally issued

around 1976, it has shown up on America's Inner City

label as a badly-pressed LP, and has surfaced with

much better CD remastering through France's Spalax

Music in 1999 and, currently, Japan's P-Vine label.

Any copy of this CD you can find will be more than

worth the effort.



Recorded during some of the Arkestra's most extensive

globetrotting of the mid-1970s, this European recording

is Ra at his msot swingingly robust, and polytonally

visionary. The watchword for this recording is smooth.

Listen to "The Mystery Of Two", its stellar drive

propelling a luxurious ride into deeper plains, or

the renowned "Interstellar Low-Ways" exuding its eternal

charm via its network of multiple flutes sighing a most

winsome song. Trombonist Craig Harris -or is it French

horn man Vincent Chancey?- is a knockout on "Two",

matched only by the blistering alto of Marshall

Allen -or Danny Davis?- to flesh out the

significance of the song's title. Some of tenor

titan John Gilmore's most breathtaking work

begins here.



"Neo-Project#2" is a loping walk through some

aural variations on the old cartoon about WACKYLAND,

hinting all manner of playful mischief at hand. It

can definitely happen here! Listen to trumpeter Ahmed

Abdullah weave his bright lyricism through the song's

many paths. Oh and, as you're listening, check out Ra

on the "rocksichord", putting what could be a clavinet

-or a plain ol' electric piano- through some deliciously

baroque changes!

R. Anthony Bunn struts his electric bass around the

bend and back again on "Cosmos". The title piece is a

quick-stepping, finger-popping romp which showcases

Gilmore at his most equestrian; slapping that diamond-

clean sound into center track without losing a moment's

stride, leaping tall in the saddle at solo's peak. What

a ride!



After the warming chant of the friendly "Moonship Journey",

spin into the astral musings of "Journey Among The Stars",

and don't be surprised if its gentle sweep places you some

galaxies or dreamscapes away. Dig the minuet imagery that

Ra conjures into your inner ear!

If you aren't enchanted by this time, "Jazz From An

Unknown Planet" strolls the spell straight home. One of

the deadliest vamps ever conceived, COSMOS' climax may

stir images of Oliver Nelson's acclaimed "Stolen Moments"

even as the Arkestra makes its own stake on the theme of

cultural reclamation, and aesthetic assertion. Abdullah

paints a beautiful tapestry of color and rhapsody, doing

Woody Shaw proud while forming a deep perspective all

his own. Gilmore soars in and testifies, sound

pronouncements a solid baptismal for all which you

have never been told of.



Anyone who thinks that Ra's tighter orchestrations ended by

1960, when the Arkestra left Chicago, listen to COSMOS and

-once you've picked your jaw up from the floor!- be

enlightened.



Know your myth. Shape your reality.

"

Looking to the Past for Inspirational Voices

Mr. Richard D. Coreno | Berea, Ohio USA | 08/31/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Issued on vinyl on the Cobra and Inner City labels, this is an outstanding CD reissue of a frustratingly tough to hard-bop classic.



There are atmospheric soundscapes within the textural framework, but Sun Ra takes a glance at the history of jazz for inspirational voices. The Mystery of Two is the standout, though Jazz From An Unknown Planet and Interstellar Low Ways are close behind.



The nearly 38 minutes of music will not sound much better; this reissue is 24-bit digitally remastered and is a Japanese limited edition that is contained in an LP-style slipcase. Truly, this is the complete package which honors the achievement of a timeless artist.



"