Search - Sun Ra :: A Quiet Place in the Universe

Strong 1970's live Ra performance

Ben Opie | Pittsburgh, PA | 05/16/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"With as many Arkestra recordings as are currently available, this may not be the best first choice...but for those interested, this is a very worthwhile disc. Be forewarned: about half of this recording was previously available on "A Night in East Berlin."Having written that, I think this is a strong live recording. The title cut is an exceptionally beautiful 1970's composition, rather in the mold of some of the Discipline series (particularly Discipline 99)and available on no other recordings. It is a nice feature for Vincent Chancey on french horn.Otherwise, there's some familiar works here: the recitation on "I Pharoah" over a performance of "Friendly Galaxy pt 2," versions of "Images" and "Space is the Place" (the latter faded in and out, unfortunately), and an arrangement of the old song "I'll Never Be the Same." Sound quality is not exceptional but generally good. It's worth a listen for interested persons."