SUN RA - UNTITLED RECORDINGS (CD - USED m-/m-)

"Very intimate work from Sun Ra -- rehearsal and private recordings, often done with a surprising degree of sensitivity! The first part of the set features a 1985 performance at the Prospect Park Bandshell -- one that features a small ensemble with Ra on piano with an unusual group that features John Gilmore, Don Moye, Milford Graves, and Andrew Cyrille! The sound is very open and personal, played with a great degree of soul -- although not as much in the spiritual mode of the 70s, more an earlier style of jazz. Ra's piano lines are quite evocative, especially under Gilmore's tenor -- and the set features two untitled numbers, and a version of "Opus In Springtime". Next is a rehearsal at the House Of Ra in 1978 -- one that features a bigger Arkestra group with Marshal Allen, Michael Ray, Danny Davis, and John Gilmore -- working in that somewhat straighter mode that Ra returned to in the late 70s, with a feel that's almost like some of his Horo work, but a bit looser. Titles include "Liza", "Tone Poem 9", "But Not For Me", and "If I Could Be With You". Last up is a spacier performance from the House Of Ra from 1973 -- one that has some great bass work from Wilbur Ware, who leads off the "Untitled Jam" with an extended solo that's totally wonderful!" (Dusty Groove)