Part of the Atavistic unheard music series, Spaceship Lullaby compiles for the first time Sun Ra’s work with a number of vocal groups in the mid 50’s. This is really something for the Sun Ra completist, with this collection bearing little resemblance to his Arkestra activities. The recordings come from home recordings of rehearsals with the groups Nu Sounds, The Lintels, and the Cosmic Rays all of which feature Ra on piano and arrangements. In fact the Cosmic Rays cut honey is actually backed up by the Arkestra, though operating within the confines of a vocal group, the ensemble aren’t afforded the freedom and dynamics for which they are renowned. Whilst it’s a comprehensive collection of 37 tracks it’s pretty hard going even for the most avid Sun Ra enthusiast, where you get the sense that it’s more about curiosity and documenting the great mans deeds than uncovering an important piece of music.
Bob Baker Fish
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