by Scott Yanow
Although considered a classic by some of his fans, this CD release of music originally put out on Sun Ra's Saturn label is actually quite erratic. The band numbers (utilizing a 15-piece group with eight horns, two drums and three percussionists) are generally worthwhile and more melodic than one would expect from Ra during the 1960's; he was just beginning his updated swing period. But several selections essentially feature Ra fooling around on his moog synthesizer and &intergalactic& organ and those rambling performances are often quite tedious. Overall this is very much a mixed bag and falls short of being essential.