On this continually interesting program,
Sun Ra and his Arkestra perform typically odd versions of a couple of standards ("But Not for Me" and "Beautiful Love"), a swinging original ("Hours After") and two outside pieces ("Dance of the Extra Terrestrains" and "Love on a Far Away Planet"). Almost up to the level of Reflections In Blue (recorded during the same two-day period), this date features one of the stronger versions of
Ra's band. The 14-piece orchestra consists of trumpeter Randall Murray, trombonist
Tyrone Hill, seven reeds (including the perennials: tenorman
John Gilmore, altoist
Marshall Allen and
Pat Patrick on alto), guitarist
Carl LeBlanc and a four-piece rhythm section that includes two drummers. Recommended. ~ Scott Yanow