Sun Ra - Disco 3000 (1978) [2009]

In the winter months of 1977-1978, philosopher, pianist and bandleader Sun Ra was in Italy. The Italian tour resulted in releases on Sun Ra's own Saturn label, all of which have long been out of print and all but impossible to find. With the re-release of DISCO 3000 one of the most celebrated of these elusive Saturn gems is once more available. This release, and it's companion MEDIA DREAMS, capture a side of Sun Ra's work - small ensemble, close form, original composition, rather minimal - that is otherwise under-represented.

Depending heavily on Ra's electric and electronic keyboards (including the mysterious Crumar Mainman - of which even the company has no record) and, more unusually, on his intelligent use of sequencers and rhythm machines, this is an important window on the evolution of Ra's musical thinking, rendered even more transparent by the economy of its means; a quartet comprising only saxophonist John Gilmore, trumpeter Michael Ray and drummer Luqman Ali.

Tracks:

01 .Disco 3000 26:18
02. Third Planet 6:24
03. Friendly Galaxy 1:17
04. Dance Of The Cosmo Aliens 11:04

Personnel:

Sun Ra - Piano, Organ, Moog Synth, rhythm machine
John Gilmore - Tenor Sax, Drums, Vocals
Michael Ray - Trumpet, Vocals
Luqman Ali - Drums, Vocals