Soothing Sounds for Saturnians!

Sun Ra, notorious for his aggressive keyboard attack and seemingly schizophrenic stylings, here offers a unique selection playing the celeste-like Fender Rhodes electric piano, which has a distinct sound (think Doors’ “Riders on the Storm”) and an interesting history. This is Ra sound at his most relaxed and contemplative state.

This Sun Ra 1980 solo set at Haverford College has been kicking around the internet and in the digital libraries of Ra collectors for years, though it has not previously been properly mastered or commercially issued. Like many events in Ra’s history, this gig has a story that goes beyond the music. Ra’s presence onstage that night came about through an unforeseen chain of events that unfolded up until concert time.

This is a very unique performance. Sun Ra is notorious for his aggressive keyboard attack and seemingly schizophrenic stylings—which can musically rocket from A to Z and back without transitional bridges. This set offers a marked contrast. Ra’s instrument here is the celeste-like Fender Rhodes electric piano, which has a distinct sound (instantly recognizable in the Doors’ “Riders on the Storm”) and an interesting history. There are few pyrotechnics in this performance, and much restraint. Ra sounds relaxed and contemplative. It’s Soothing Sounds for Saturnians. – Irwin Chusid