Sun Ra - Stardust From Tomorrow (1997)

Review by Sean Westergaard
Stardust From Tomorrow is a fairly typical late '80s live date for the Arkestra, as it gives a decent overview of what the band could do: a little Fletcher Henderson, a little Duke Ellington, some Ra originals, some space chants, and some conducted improvisation flowing seamlessly from one tune to the next. Both Michael Ray and Marshall Allen are in fine form on this date, with Allen shining especially bright on "Prelude to a Kiss." (He always tears it up on the Ellington numbers.) Unfortunately, due to ill health, John Gilmore is absent from this recording, gearing it more toward the completist/collector than the casual listener. Sound quality is good, but there are some problems associated with a live date: some minor swells of feedback on stage during "Blue Lou" and some slightly off-mike moments. The performance, though, is a fine one. Sun Ra releases on Leo Records have always been more about documentation than audiophile sound anyway.