Other Planes of There (1964) presents
Sun Ra (piano) and his Solar Arkestra once again pushing the boundaries of five
Ra originals. The exceedingly experimental works are marked by the performers as much as they are by the compositions. The opening title track is an expansive suite of sounds adhering only to the boundless limits of the combo's sonic canvas. Each soloist is given ample room to propel the piece between the inspired Arkestra interjections, which in turn clears the way for the next one. This isn't exactly call-and-response, but there are correlations between the respective and (at times) disparate juxtapositions.
John Gilmore's (tenor sax) maniacal wails are matched by
Marshall Allen (oboe) and Danny Davis (alto sax) -- the latter of whom quickly establishes the cut's moody and schizophrenic nature. By contrast, "Sound Spectra/Spec Sket" commences with the percussive pairing of
Roger Blank (drums) and
Lex Humphries (drums) asserting unified rhythmic patterns that are countered by a compact melody from
Walter Miller (trumpet). His regal nuances are tentatively met by
Ronnie Boykins (bass) and then
Ra, who weave their lines considerately, rather than in a flurry of impassioned abandon. "Sketch" bops freely as
Gilmore forges a seemingly straight-ahead tune, until
Ra's frenzied and ardent runs overpoweringly steer the number further out.
Pat Patrick's (baritone sax) sublime contributions are at the center of "Pleasure," smoldering with a measured and dreamy sense of portent. The long player concludes in much the same way that it began, sporting a full-ensemble blowout on "Spiral Galaxy." Granted, the selection is certainly not as abrasive and demanding as later efforts, although there is strident involvement from everyone within the dense arrangement. The brass and reed sections provide emphasis behind an off-kilter and loping waltz backdrop. All the more impressive is how well the material has held up over the decades. Even to seasoned ears, the music is pungent and uninhibited, making
Other Planes of There a highly recommended collection. [This release was remastered and co-produced by
Michael D. Anderson (of the Sun Ra Music Archive) and
Irwin Chusid, under the auspices of Sun Ra LLC, the heirs of the late music legend. Original session tapes were used when available and sound quality should surpass all previous CD/digital editions.] ~ Lindsay Planer