Day 8 Sun Ra - Super Sonic Jazz

Well, Thursday and Friday were a bit too hectic here to post about Sun Ra, but it didn't keep me from giving up some of my attention to Super Sonic Jazz (1956) and The Futuristic Sounds of Sun Ra (1961). Both are great albums, though I only have time to discuss the former this morning.

I've been debating what the best Sun Ra purchase might be for someone looking for the 'early' and 'straight'. This is effectively a stand off between Sun Song, Sound of Joy and Jazz in Silhouette (I think we can ignore Holiday for Soul Dance and Sound Sun Pleasure as these albums are entirely covers.) Of course, one could argue that between Angels & Demons (half of which comes from 56) and Visits Planet Earth (containing half of Sound of Joy) you may need nothing else from the 'early & straight' roster.

Here enters Super Sonic Jazz, disputing the 'you don't need more' argument, while being a much more satisfying album than the other titles from 56.

Where Super Sonic Jazz works wonders is in the variety department (a theme that will carry over to Futuristic Sounds). While the overview approach does nothing for me on Fate in a Pleasant Mood, here it works to great effect. Featuring pieces which could (and did) appear on other albums from the same period (El is a Sound of Joy, Medicine for a Nightmare), these sit comfortably next to some very forward looking electric piano pieces (India, Advice to Medics). Portrait of the Living Sky and Springtime in Chicago feature a more open and expansive sound with an emphasis on Ra's piano playing. Some of the more traditional upfront jazz pieces are balanced out by the melancholic Sunology I & II. Throughout the album's running time, there is always a sense of balance.

This album definitely succeeds at showcasing the amazing compositions and musical ability of the band and makes a nice send-off for the 50's. We won't hear this sort of thing again from the Arkestra for some time, so it's really been nice to have it kicking around the last couple days. Definitely an easy purchase for those who want a good, representative album from this period.