Confusingly, Resonance Records have decided to give their latest collection of Sun Ra recordings virtually the same title as the IN+OUT Records release (reviewed on p51). This one’s a set that documents Sun Ra’s Myth Science Cosmo Swing Arkestra playing the Famous Ballroom in Baltimore, Maryland, on 23 July 1978. For those who prefer their Sun Ra more out-there, this is the one to go for, with exemplary examples of Ra’s piano playing that is interspersed with some supreme soloing and interplay between the other Arkestra players, together with a memorable visitation from vocalist June Tyson on ‘Tapestry From An Asteroid’. Also included are two audio extracts from Robert Mugge’s 1980 film Sun Ra: Make A Joyful Noise, parts of which were shot on location at the concert that makes up this special recording.

Finally, vanity label Dead Currencies offer up Kingdom Of Discipline, scooping together a rare selection of lo-fi rehearsal recordings – one of which was laid down in Philadelphia at the Arkestra’s Saturn House headquarters with Marshall Allen and the late John Gilmore in attendance. Released in a very limited physical edition that sold out immediately on pre-sale, the available download is certainly worth a listen as it eavesdrops on Ra putting his Arkestra through their paces, as well as playing some extraordinary solo piano on the title track showing the full range of his artistry on the instrument. As an example of the group’s working practice this is an invaluable document, albeit one for scholars and those Sun Ra fans with deep pockets, should any copies of the LP or CD versions ever leak on to the market.