Sun Ra
Arkestra: Live At The Red Garter (Transparency 0319) (3CD)
The latest
release from the Transparency label presents an expanded version of the Red Garter tape recorded in July 1970 across two CDs along with a third disc
containing 82 photographs of the band by Lee Santa—a really nice bonus. The cool
thing is that the liner notes are written by the one-and-only Sam Byrd!
The
Transparency edition is taken from a slightly better source than the
circulating CDR as it is a bit longer and appears to present the music in its
proper sequence. Certainly, the sound quality is marginally improved. But make
no mistake: this is rough going. Derived from a monophonic amateur recording made from the audience, all the attendant noise, distortion and balance problems remain intact. While
the music is great (featuring the great Alan Silva on cello), the sound
quality is still pretty dreadful.
Even so,
Transparency should be commended for making some of the rarest Sun Ra material
available to the masses. And kudos to Sam for his astute liner notes. I’ve said
it before and I’ll say it again: he is the one who should be writing Sun RaSunday! As for me, I am just now trying to get back into it. Stay tuned…
1 comment:
No way, Rodger....you are the Sun Ra Sundays King!
All things considered, this recording isn't THAT rough....plus you get a ton of really amazing Gilmore. Once your ears get to that special place, this really is an amazing set.
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