Search - Sun Ra Arkestra :: Live In Cleveland

One Hot Performance on the Frigid North Coast

Mr. Richard D. Coreno | Berea, Ohio USA | 07/25/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Sun Ra and his Arkestra delivered a sizzling performance heavy on disco-laced rhythms on January 30, 1975, in Cleveland, Ohio, which has finally surfaced for this CD release.



As with so much live material that has reached the marketplace since Sun Ra's spirit left the planet in 1993, the recording is "bootleg" in quality. But the quantity of power is not diminished by the rough mix, as Sun Ra keeps the pace hot on piano, Moog and organ.



Astro Nation (of the United World in Outer Space) is a funky masterpiece, which sets the stage for an exploration of the heart and soul in Enlightenment. The pace does not slow down for Love In Outer Space, Theme of the Stargazers/The Satellites Are Spinning and Friendly Galaxy 2/I Am the Brother of the Wind/I, Pharoah. A frenetic Moog solo by Sun Ra leads to a 14-minute closer; a classic rendition of Duke Ellington's Sophisticated Lady.



Unless another source tape surfaces, this release will be the definitive account when Sun Ra let loose on the frigid North Coast. Snow ploughs were not needed in the area for a week after this scorching show."

Only for completists

Benjamin A. Opie | 07/03/2009

(2 out of 5 stars)

"This is not an essential live recording. It comes from my personal favorite period of Sun Ra's career, around 1970-1975 (this was recorded in 75). The quality is essentially bootleg-level, with the electric bass being one of the only distinctly clear instruments heard. The material is largely familiar Sun Ra repertoire: Friendly Galaxy 2, Enlightenment, Love in Outer Space; I was however unfamiliar with the the opening chant, Astro Nation. There is a strong, noisy synth/organ solo later in the disc that will satisfy fans, including that (organ-based?) drum machine that I think is on Disco 3000. (I could be wrong about that.) I'm certain the performance was a lot of fun to attend but as a recording it shouldn't be anywhere near the top of anyone's want list, especially with the variety of reissues that are happening again."