Description
Sun Ra and his Astro Arkestra – Sound Sun Pleasure!! – Vinyl Record
Released in 1970, Sound Sun Pleasure!! by Sun Ra and His Astro Infinity Arkestra is an unusual entry in Sun Ra’s vast discography, showcasing a rare straight-ahead jazz approach rather than the cosmic free jazz explorations for which he is best known. The album consists primarily of lushly arranged jazz standards, with a warm, big-band swing and bebop feel, making it one of the most accessible releases in Sun Ra’s catalog. However, beneath its conventional exterior, the record still carries hints of the avant-garde sensibilities that would define his later work.
Recorded in 1959 but not released until 1970, Sound Sun Pleasure!! captures Sun Ra’s Arkestra in a transitional phase, balancing between the traditional jazz roots of his Chicago years and the more experimental, space-themed compositions of his later period. The album features vocal performances—a rarity in Sun Ra’s work—by Hattie Randolph, whose smooth, soulful delivery adds a rich dimension to songs like “’Round Midnight” and “Can This Be Love?”. The Arkestra’s arrangements are elegant yet intricate, with lush horn harmonies, fluid piano lines from Sun Ra, and subtle rhythmic shifts that hint at the cosmic explorations to come.
Despite its relatively conventional sound, Sound Sun Pleasure!! remains a fascinating document within Sun Ra’s discography. It showcases his ability to interpret jazz standards with grace and sophistication, while still subtly incorporating his unique sense of rhythm and harmonic layering. For listeners new to Sun Ra, this album serves as an excellent entry point before diving into his more abstract works like The Heliocentric Worlds of Sun Ra (1965) or Space Is the Place (1973). At the same time, longtime fans will appreciate hearing the roots of his musical journey, revealing that even in more traditional forms, Sun Ra’s sound was always evolving.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Round Midnight
You Never Told Me That You Care
Hour Of Parting
Back In Your Own Back Yard
Enlightenment
‘Could Have Danced All Night
