The boundaries of Sun Ra's self-proclaimed "space jazz" underwent a transformation in the mid-'60s. The Magic City is an aural snapshot of that metamorphic process. Many enthusiasts and scholars consider this to be among Ra's most definitive studio recordings. Although the "city" in the album's title was thought to have been New York -- where the disc was recorded -- it is actually Ra's earthly birthplace of Birmingham, AL. The Magic City consists of four free jazz compositions: the album side-length title track, "The Shadow World,""Abstract Eye," and "Abstract I" -- two variants of a common work. These pieces are essentially ensemble improvisations recorded live. Any direction from Ra, indicating the order of soloists for instance, would be given either through his playing or with hand signals. The title track begins with weaving distant and frenetic lines from Ronnie Boykins (bass) and Ra (piano, clavoline), connected by intermittent eruptions from Roger Blank (drums). All the while, Marshall Allen's dreamlike piccolo randomly maneuvers through the sonic haze. The piece also contains an ensemble onslaught that abruptly contrasts with everything experienced up through that point. In the wake of the innately earthbound "Magic City" are three comparatively shorter pieces with subtle undercurrents that return Ra to space motifs. For example, the importance of sonic contrast defines "The Shadow World" by juxtaposing the lightly churning bass and cymbal into some surreal keyboard interjections from Ra. - Lindsay Planer
Tracks
1. The Magic City
2. The Shadow World
3. Abstract Eye
4. Abstract "I"
DANNY DAVIS alto saxophone, flute, percussion
MARSHALL ALLEN alto saxophone, piccolo, percussion
PAT PATRICK baritone saxophone
RONNIE BOYKINS bass
ROBERT CUMMINGS bass clarinet, percussion
PHIL COHRAN cornet
WALTER MILLER trumpet
ALI HASSAN trombone
HARRY SPENCER alto saxophone
JOHN GILMORE tenor saxophone, percussion
ROGER BLANK drums
JAMES JACKSON percussion
CHRIS CAPERS trumpet, percussion
TEDDY NANCE trombone
BERNARD PETTAWAY bass trombone
JIMHMI JOHNSON drums
SUN RA piano, clavioline, electric celeste, bass marimba, sun harp, dragon drum, tympani
All music and arrangers by Sun Ra
(1) was recorded in rehearsal in New York City around September 24th, 1965.
(2-4) were recorded live at Olatunji's Loft, New York in the spring of 1965.
Evidence - ECD 22069-2