Celestial Love

by Sun Ra

Overview

Originally released in 1984, Celestial Love was recorded at Variety Studios in New York City in September of 1982, and was Sun Ra's last studio album to be released by El Saturn Records. Much of the album's content also appeared on the full-length Nuclear War record which was issued in Europe by post-punk label Y Records in 1984. Far from the brash, apocalyptic radicalism of the single "Nuclear War," this set is closer to the more straightforward end of the Arkestra canon. As with much of Ra's later, Philadelphia-period work, this release incorporates earlier jazz and swing tunes as well as his own compositions, linking jazz's past with its present and future. Duke Ellington is paid tribute in the form of two tracks, "Sophisticated Lady" (which starts out slow and blue, then emerges swinging at full power) and a truly cheerful "Drop Me Off in Harlem." Both of the numbers sung by June Tyson are, of course, absolutely delightful. "Sometimes I'm Happy" (which appeared as the B-side of the "Nuclear War" single) balances Tyson's heartfelt crooning with freewheeling horns that edge in the direction of free-form chaos, but stay reined in just enough to keep the song straight on the path. A rendition of the Charlie Chaplin standard "Smile" is nothing short of inspirational, just pure, unbridled optimism. The rest of the tracks are Ra originals, including "Interstellarism," a swaying remake of his 1959 piece "Interstellar Low Ways," and two versions of "Nameless One," with some smoking synth work on "Nameless One No. 3." The entire set is thoroughly invigorating, simply a pure expression of joy and positive energy. ~ Paul Simpson

Product Details

Release Date:	04/10/2020
Label:	Modern Harmonic
UPC:	0090771821829

Tracks

1. Celestial Love
2. Sometimes I'm Happy
3. Interstellarism
4. Blue Intensity
5. Sophisticated Lady
6. Nameless One No. 2
7. Nameless One No. 3
8. Smile
9. Drop Me Off in Harlem

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Sun Ra   Primary Artist,Organ,Piano,Synthesizer
Sun Ra & His Arkestra   Primary Artist
Marshall Allen   Flute,Sax (Alto)
James Jacson   Drums,Bassoon
June Tyson   Vocals
Stanley Morgan   Percussion
Tyrone Hill   Trombone
John Ore   Bass
Danny Ray Thompson   Flute,Sax (Baritone)
Hayes Burnett   Bass
Vincent Chancey   French Horn
John Gilmore   Sax (Tenor)
Walter Miller   Trumpet
Samarai Celestial   Drums

Technical Credits

Michael D. Anderson   Tape Transfer
Vincent Youmans   Composer
Irving Caesar   Composer
Sun Ra   Composer,Producer,Liner Notes
Harry Carney   Composer
Nick Kenny   Composer
Brian Thompson   Project Manager
Joe Lizzi   Mastering
Jon Hunt   Art Direction
Jay Miller   Project Manager
Irwin Chusid   Liner Notes,Reissue Producer,Digital Restoration
Duke Ellington   Composer
Clifford Grey   Composer
Charlie Chaplin   Composer