EAST TWO/180 GR GATEFOLD SLEEVE

Description

EAST TWO brings together unreleased tracks from one of Sun Ra's most productive periods: 1972-1973. During these two intense years, Sun Ra recorded numerous albums, gave concerts, taught at Berkeley, appeared in a feature film for which he also composed the music, signed a contract with a major record label for several albums (unfortunately doomed to fail), and toured the United States and Europe. The title track, "East Two," is one of the two pieces on this album from a two-day session in October 1972 at the Streeterville studios in Chicago. It is a dark and expansive procession, and the only known recording of this melancholic work. The Arkestra's baritone saxophonist, Pat Patrick, played electric bass during this session, which also showcased Ra's distinctive synthesizer, as well as superb solos from Kwame Hadi (trumpet) and John Gilmore (tenor saxophone), a permanent member of the Arkestra. The other track is an alternative version of "Rocket #9" where Ra's voice is barely audible within the choir, making way for the Space Ethnic Voices. Additional tracks come from the 1973 sessions at Variety Studios in New York, including "In Tomorrow's Realm," where the seasoned Arkestra bassist, Ronnie Boykins, lays down the rhythmic foundation with his bass line. This was the last year Boykins regularly collaborated with Ra, and this track is a vibrant tribute to his role within the group, reflecting his crucial importance to Sun Ra's sound. The CD version contains bonus tracks from two concerts in 1984 and 1985.