Sun Ra

Lanquidity Sun Ra Deluxe edition

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

Recorded overnight at Bob Bank's Blank Tapes on 17th July 1978 after the Arkestrahad 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 trackscame out of improvised jams. Sun Ra just did his thing."

Comprising five effortlessly fluid pieces, the album eases in with Lanquidity. DannyRay Thompson remembers, "This was one of Sun Ra's on-the-spot compositions. Itis almost like an Ancient Egyptian Stargazing Ceremony, mapping out the stars andthe planets." Where Pathways Meet is "Sun Ra's funky version of an Egyptianmarch. Pharaoh is sending his troops off to fight and this is his pep-talk!" continuesThompson. "The music seems to take different pathways but still converges." Theloping groove of That's How I Feel, features the reflective trumpet lines of Eddie Galewith solos by John Gilmore and Marshall Allen: "Marshall comes in with that snakecharming oboe." Says Thompson. The funky Twin Stars Of Thence weaves aroundRichard Williams celebrated elastic bassline while the haunting closer, There AreOther Worlds (They Have Not Told You Of), is pure "space music." The poet MamaNzinga described it as 'The essence of light. Spirit takes a ride inside the deep darkspace 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 arecut loud at 45 rpm over 2LPs each.

Housed in a silver foil box, both LP sets reflect the original Phlly Jazz artwork. Thefirst 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 2CDversion is housed in a foil digipak.