Sun Ra - Outer Spaceways Incorporated (1971)

Sun Ra's orchestra was at its most radical for Outer Spaceways Incorporated, alternating simple chants with very outside playing and dense ensembles. While the sidemen include such notables as Marshall Allen and Danny Davis on altos, baritonist Pat Patrick, John Gilmore on tenor, bassist Ronnie Boykins, and percussionist Clifford Jarvis, most of the other players in the 15-piece band (such as trumpeters Ahk Tal Ebah and Kwame Hadi) slipped back into obscurity after this. The music is quite intriguing, although it requires an open mind and a sense of humor to fully appreciate. © Scott Yanow