UNIVERSE IN BLUE

Description

The album *Universe in Blue* had never been available on CD, and only an unofficial vinyl version existed before 2022. It includes a booklet by Irwin Chusid and an essay enriched by jazz historian Ben Young. *The CD contains two bonus tracks, which is over 20 minutes of additional content. This collection of fiery live recordings, made at the legendary Slugs in New York, is a rarity. Originally released in 1972, these recordings offer a fascinating glimpse into the repertoire and virtuosity of the Arkestra at the end of their first New York decade.
“Universe in Blue” highlights Sun Ra's offbeat vision of the blues and helped to bring him to the attention of New York jazz critics, while confirming his reputation as a bold stage artist. Ra and his group performed at the famous Slugs in the East Village almost every Monday night for several years, until the late 60s, and then sporadically thereafter. This collection of undated performances from 1970-71 was released in a limited edition with two different covers on Sun Ra's Saturn label around 1972, but has since fallen into obscurity.