Plunge into the cosmic jazz universe of Sun Ra with "Nuits de la Fondation Maeght," a breathtaking live album capturing the legendary performances of Sun Ra & His Inter-Galactic Research Arkestra at the Fondation Maeght in 1970. This expansive 47-track, 6xLP box set, released by Strut, is a treasure trove for jazz enthusiasts and collectors alike, offering an unprecedented deep dive into Sun Ra's avant-garde genius.
Recorded over two nights, August 3rd and 5th, 1970, these performances showcase Sun Ra's unique blend of free jazz, hard bop, and avant-garde experimentation. The album features a mix of Sun Ra's original compositions and reinterpretations of classic tunes, all infused with his signature cosmic philosophy and interstellar themes. From the ethereal "Sun Interlude" to the energetic "Cosmic Explorer" and the haunting "Shadow World," each track is a testament to Sun Ra's innovative spirit and musical prowess.
The set is housed in a beautifully designed hardboard box, complete with a reprint of the original festival program and a 12-page booklet featuring insightful liner notes by Daniel. This deluxe packaging, along with the high-quality audio, makes "Nuits de la Fondation Maeght" a standout addition to any music collection. Whether you're a long-time fan of Sun Ra or a newcomer to his otherworldly sound, this album is an essential experience that highlights the enduring legacy of one of jazz's most visionary artists.
This 2003 Reissue LP is housed in a gatefold, pressed on 180g vinyl.
Tracks
Sun Interlude - Live at Fondation Maeght, 3 Aug. 1970Sun Ra
Love In Outer Space - Live at Fondation Maeght, 3 Aug. 1970Sun Ra
Shadow World (Excerpt) - Live at Fondation Maeght, 3 Aug. 1970Sun Ra
Cosmic Explorer - Live at Fondation Maeght, 3 Aug. 1970Sun Ra
Cosmic Explorer (Continuation) - Live at Fondation Maeght, 3 Aug. 1970Sun Ra
Piano Solo (Untitled) - Live at Fondation Maeght, 3 Aug. 1970Sun Ra
Friendly Galaxy No.2 - Live at Fondation Maeght, 3 Aug. 1970Sun Ra
Why Go To The Moon? / It's After The End Of The World - Live at Fondation Maeght, 3 Aug. 1970Sun Ra
Spontaneous Simplicity - Live at Fondation Maeght, 3 Aug. 1970Sun Ra
Watusi - Live at Fondation Maeght, 3 Aug. 1970Sun Ra
Percussion Interlude - Live at Fondation Maeght, 3 Aug. 1970Sun Ra
Interstellar Low Ways - Live at Fondation Maeght, 3 Aug. 1970Sun Ra
Somewhere Else - Live at Fondation Maeght, 3 Aug. 1970Sun Ra
They'll Come Back - Live at Fondation Maeght, 3 Aug. 1970Sun Ra
Tone Science Interlude - Live at Fondation Maeght, 3 Aug. 1970Sun Ra
Satellites Are Spinning - Live at Fondation Maeght, 3 Aug. 1970Sun Ra
Sun Ra And His Band From Outer Space - Live at Fondation Maeght, 3 Aug. 1970Sun Ra
Calling Planet Earth - Live at Fondation Maeght, 3 Aug. 1970Sun Ra
Imagination - Live at Fondation Maeght, 3 Aug. 1970Sun Ra
I'll Wait For You - Live at Fondation Maeght, 3 Aug. 1970Sun Ra
We Travel The Spaceways - Live at Fondation Maeght, 3 Aug. 1970Sun Ra
The World Of Lightning - Live at Fondation Maeght, 3 Aug. 1970Sun Ra
Blackmyth - Live at Fondation Maeght, 3 Aug. 1970Sun Ra
Myth Tone Poem (Untitled) - Live at Fondation Maeght, 3 Aug. 1970Sun Ra
Sky - Live at Fondation Maeght, 3 Aug. 1970Sun Ra
Three Cheers For Ra - Live at Fondation Maeght, 3 Aug. 1970Sun Ra
Prelude - Live at Fondation Maeght, 5 Aug. 1970Sun Ra
Theme Of The Stargazers - Live at Fondation Maeght, 5 Aug. 1970Sun Ra
Shadow World - Live at Fondation Maeght, 5 Aug. 1970Sun Ra
Satellites Are Spinning - Live at Fondation Maeght, 5 Aug. 1970Sun Ra
Second Stop Is Jupiter - Live at Fondation Maeght, 5 Aug. 1970Sun Ra
Tone Science - Live at Fondation Maeght, 5 Aug. 1970Sun Ra
Next Stop Mars - Live at Fondation Maeght, 5 Aug. 1970Sun Ra
Spontaneous Simplicity - Live at Fondation Maeght, 5 Aug. 1970Sun Ra
Friendly Galaxy No.2 - Live at Fondation Maeght, 5 Aug. 1970Sun Ra
Pleasant Twilight - Live at Fondation Maeght, 5 Aug. 1970Sun Ra
Outer Spaceways Incorporated / You Better Get Ready - Live at Fondation Maeght, 5 Aug. 1970Sun Ra
Enlightment - Live at Fondation Maeght, 5 Aug. 1970Sun Ra
Calling Planet Earth - Live at Fondation Maeght, 5 Aug. 1970Sun Ra
Space Bop (Untitled) - Live at Fondation Maeght, 5 Aug. 1970Sun Ra
Space Ballad (Untitled) - Live at Fondation Maeght, 5 Aug. 1970Sun Ra
Sun Ra And His Band From Outer Space / Theme Of The Stargazers / Iβll Wait For You - Live at Fondation Maeght, 5 Aug. 1970Sun Ra
Somebody Elseβs Idea / Walking On The Moon / Itβs After The End Of The World - Live at Fondation Maeght, 5 Aug. 1970Sun Ra
We Travel The Spaceways - Live at Fondation Maeght, 5 Aug. 1970Sun Ra
Tone Science Interlude - Live at Fondation Maeght, 5 Aug. 1970Sun Ra
Days Of Wine And Roses - Live at Fondation Maeght, 5 Aug. 1970Sun Ra
Satellites Are Spinning (2) - Live at Fondation Maeght, 5 Aug. 1970Sun Ra
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Sun Ra's Tunes Shine
4 out of 5 stars
SgaciUnited StatesπΊπΈ
The tunes are absolutely fantastic, but the reissue is a letdown. It's just a copy of an old LP, with cracks all over it (they could've asked me how to fix them, it's a breeze these days). Plus, the two CDs could've easily fit on one, and the track order could've been way better. But man, Sun Ra is out of this world on the organβit's exactly what we crave the most.
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