Search - Sun Ra :: Monorails & Satellites

Oneiric Pianistics

KALO | Cambridge, MA United States | 03/09/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I don't play the piano, except in my dreams. And I mean that literally: sometimes, when I'm asleep, I dream that I'm playing the piano. And when I do, it sounds just like this Sun Ra record. So much so that I experienced a shock of recognition upon first playing this disc. Piquantly dissonant Ellingtonian note clusters struggling towards form and fitfully finding it; a species of stride with a dreamy deliquescence reminiscent of Dali's melting watch; a sidelong slipperiness of phrasing that brings to mind the impressionistic ballads of Andrew Hill or, again, Ellington. The previous reviewer found this recording too dissonant and abstract, and it's true that the first two tracks are among the disc's most daunting, but the more ballad-like numbers are quite accessible. There's even a relatively straightforward rendition of the standard Easy Street. This is one of Ra's few solo piano recordings and my nomination for the best. In fact, it's one of my favorite Ra albums period. (And you've got to love the classic cosmic cover art.)"

Home, Sweet Home

Mr. Richard D. Coreno | Berea, Ohio USA | 07/30/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Sun Ra released few solo piano albums, but this 1966 home recording masterfully demonstrates his brilliant crafting of a number musical genres on the eight tracks.



The jumping chords of Space Towers and electricity in Cogitation set the stage for a majestic ballad, Skylight. The Alter Destiny has a sweet rhythm, but Sun Ra is in full artistic flight on a swing standard, Easy Street, and the classic blues of Blue Differentials. Softer colors are painted on the canvas that encompasses the title track, while The Galaxy Way provides wonderful textures to close out the album.



Though this may not be the start for new fans to fully grasp the incredible genius of Sun Ra, it is a beautiful journey that must be taken to be appreciated.



"

Solo Piano Abstractions

Scott McFarland | Manassas, VA United States | 10/25/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Can't say that I dig it. Ra was a great piano/keyboard player, but a man on piano playing with this degree of abstraction ... it's not my idea of something to listen to for enjoyment. I don't discern a purpose to this type of "art"; a bit less fragmentation on the themes might have helped me. I recommend Ra's albums with his "Arkestra" instead."