Jazz Archives

The boundaries of Sun Ra's self-proclaimed "space jazz" underwent a transformation in the mid-'60s. The Magic City is an aural snapshot of that metamorphic process. Many enthusiasts and scholars consider this to be among Ra's most definitive studio recordings. Although the "city" in the album's title was thought to have been New York -- where the disc was recorded -- it is actually Ra's earthly birthplace of Birmingham, AL. The Magic City consists of four free jazz compositions: the album side-length title track, "The Shadow World," "Abstract Eye," and "Abstract I" - two variants of a common work. These pieces are essentially ensemble improvisations recorded live. Any direction from Ra, indicating the order of soloists for instance, would be given either through his playing or with hand signals. Sun Ra & His Solar Myth Arkestra took up residency in Manhattan's East Village in the early to mid-'60s.
Their neighbors included Pharaoh Sanders as well as Babatunde Olatunji. In fact, "The Shadow World," "Abstract Eye," and "Abstract I" were actually recorded in Olatunji's loft. The title track begins with weaving distant and frenetic lines from Ronnie Boykins (bass) and Ra (piano, clavoline), connected by intermittent eruptions from Roger Blank (drums). All the while, Marshall Allen's dreamlike piccolo randomly maneuvers through the sonic haze. The piece also contains an ensemble onslaught that abruptly contrasts with everything experienced up through that point. In the wake of the innately earthbound "Magic City" are three comparatively shorter pieces with subtle undercurrents that return Ra to space motifs. For example, the importance of sonic contrast defines "The Shadow World" by juxtaposing he lightly churning bass and cymbal into some surreal keyboard interjections from Ra. The Magic City also comes with an insightful liner notes essay from Ra scholar John F. Szwed, aiding in understanding the circumstances surrounding this piece of free jazz genius.

1. The Magic City (27:24)

2. The Shadow World (10:59)

3. Abstract Eye (2:45)

4. Abstract "I" (4:01)

Arranged By, Composed By - Sun Ra

Artwork By - Don Bied

Bass - Ronnie Boykins

Clarinet [Bass] - Robert Cummings

Keyboards [Clavioline, Electronic Celeste], Piano, Marimba [Bass], Harp [Sun Harp], Percussion [Dragon Drum], Timpani - Sun Ra

Percussion - Jimmi Johnson , Roger Blank

Photography - Francis Ing

Producer - Alton Abraham

Saxophone [Alto] - Harry Spencer

Saxophone [Alto], Flute - Danny Davis

Saxophone [Alto], Flute, Oboe, Piccolo Flute - Marshall Allen

Saxophone [Baritone] , Flute, Timpani - Pat Patrick

Saxophone [Tenor] - John Gilmore

Trombone - Ali Hassan , Bernard Pettaway , Teddy Nance

Trumpet - Chris Capers , Walter Miller

Previously released on El Saturn in 1966.