Sun Ra - Lanquidity (Deluxe Edition) [2CD]

Strut

£15.82

Format: 2CD
Catalogue No.: STRUT237CD
Barcode: 4062548021080
Release Date: 14th May 2021
Genre: Jazz

TRACKLISTING:
CD 1
1. Lanquidity
2. Where Pathways Meet
3. That’s How I Feel
4. Twin Stars Of Thence
5. There Are Other Worlds (They Have Not Told You Of)

CD 2
1. Lanquidity (Alternate version)
2. Where Pathways Meet (Alternate version)
3. That’s How I Feel (Alternate version)
4. Twin Stars Of Thence (Alternate version)
5. There Are Other Worlds (They Have Not Told You Of) (Alternate version)

FORMAT DETAILS: 2CD: 6-panel foil digipak w/16pp booklet.

Strut present the definitive edition of Sun Ra’s classic ‘Lanquidity’ album from 1978 with brand new 4LP box set and 2CD editions.

Recorded overnight at Bob Bank’s Blank Tapes on 17th July 1978 after the Arkestra had appeared on Saturday Night Live, the album is unique in the Ra catalogue. “Most critics felt that it was more of a fusion-inspired record,” explains Michael Ray. “As the name suggests, the album is liquid and languid.” Bob Blank continues, “Musically, it was very ad hoc and freeform. There were horn charts but most tracks came out of improvised jams. Sun Ra just did his thing.”

Comprising five effortlessly fluid pieces, the album eases in with Lanquidity. Danny Ray Thompson remembers, “This was one of Sun Ra’s on-the-spot compositions. It is almost like an Ancient Egyptian Stargazing Ceremony, mapping out the stars and the planets.” Where Pathways Meet is “Sun Ra’s funky version of an Egyptian march. Pharaoh is sending his troops off to fight and this is his pep-talk!” continues Thompson. “The music seems to take different pathways but still converges.” The loping groove of That’s How I Feel, features the reflective trumpet lines of Eddie Gale with solos by John Gilmore and Marshall Allen: “Marshall comes in with that snake charming oboe.” Says Thompson. The funky Twin Stars Of Thence weaves around Richard Williams celebrated elastic bassline while the haunting closer, There Are Other Worlds (They Have Not Told You Of), is pure “space music.” The poet Mama Nzinga described it as ‘The essence of light. Spirit takes a ride inside the deep dark space of just being.”

The new box set edition of ‘Lanquidity’ features the widely distributed version of the album alongside alternative mixes by Bob Blank originally released in limited quantities for a 1978 Arkestra gig at Georgia Tech. Both versions of the album are cut loud at 45 rpm over 2LPs each.

Housed in a silver foil box, both LP sets reflect the original Phlly Jazz artwork. The first comes in a foil / magenta sleeve while the second features 2 x yellow A4 sheets pasted onto a white sleeve. Also included is a 12-page over-sized booklet featuring unseen photos by Veryl Oakland and liner notes by Tom Buchler (Philly Jazz), Michael Ray and Danny Ray Thompson (Sun Ra Arkestra) and Bob Blank. The 2CD version is housed in a foil digipak.

• Definitive official edition of Sun Ra’s classic album, recorded in New York, 1978
• Remastered versions of main album and alternative versions cut at 45 across 4 x LP
• Includes unseen photos and extensive sleeve notes by Bob Blank, Michael Ray and Danny Ray Thompson of Sun Ra Arkestra and Tom Buchler of Philly Jazz
• Latest instalment in Strut’s ongoing work with the Sun Ra catalogue

PRESS/ONLINE: Vinyl Factory - https://thevinylfactory.com/news/sun-ra-lanquidity-album-reissue-strut-box-set/

Uncut - https://www.uncut.co.uk/news/sun-ras-lanquidity-to-be-reissued-as-4xlp-box-set-129669/

The Quietus - https://thequietus.com/articles/29658-sun-ra-lanquidity-reissue-alternative-versions

Treblezine - https://www.treblezine.com/sun-ra-lanquidity-box-set-reissue/

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