LIGHTS ON A SATELLITE, LIVE AT THE LEFT BANK delivers high-quality live sound, showcasing vibrant interplay among the 20-piece ensemble.
Resonance Records
Sun Ra -Keyboards; June Tyson – Vocals; John Gilmore – Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet; Marshall Allen – Alto Saxophone, Flute, Piccolo; Danny Davis – Alto Saxophone, Flute; Dany Ray Thompson – Baritone Saxophone, Flute; Walter Miller – Trumpet; Michael Ray – Trumpet, Vocal; Eloe Emoe – Alto Saxophone, Bass Clarinet; Craig Harris – Trombone; Dale Williams – Guitar; Damon Choice – Vibes; Richard Williams (Radu) – Double Bass, Electric Bass; Michael D Anderson – Drums; Eddie Thomas – Drums; Atakatune – Congas; James Jacson – Ancient Infinity Drum, Bassoon; The Jingle Brothers – Bells, Percussion
Resonance Records has unveiled another stunning gem of jazz history with Sun Ra’s LIGHTS ON A SATELLITE, LIVE AT THE LEFT BANK. This isn’t the Left Bank of Paris, but rather the storied Left Bank Jazz Society at Baltimore’s Famous Ballroom, a spot much closer to Sun Ra’s Germantown, Philadelphia base. This release brings a previously unheard 1978 performance into the spotlight, showcasing Resonance’s dedication to preserving and sharing jazz’s hidden treasures.
This recording marks the second unearthed Sun Ra gem brought to light by Zev Feldman, co-president and producer at Resonance Records, affectionately known as the “Jazz Detective.” It follows the expansive AT THE SHOWCASE: LIVE IN CHICAGO 1976–1977. Feldman elevates each release into a complete experience, combining the music with beautifully designed packaging, detailed liner notes, rare photos, and rich historical context.
Sun Ra deeply admired Fletcher Henderson’s big band arrangements and incorporated elements of Henderson’s music into his own compositions and performances. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, Sun Ra worked as an arranger and pianist for various Chicago bands, including that of Henderson’s brother, Horace Henderson. This connection gave him a firsthand look at the Henderson family’s musical legacy. Sun Ra later used this experience to bridge swing traditions with his avant-garde and cosmic jazz innovations, creating a unique synthesis of past and future jazz styles.
Sun Ra’s 1978 performance at Baltimore’s Left Bank Jazz Society ballroom was a journey through the full spectrum of jazz. With his Arkestra, singer June Tyson, and dancers, Sun Ra brought the past and future together, blending the swing of Fletcher Henderson’s era with his own visionary take on what jazz could become.
Sun Ra and his Arkestra, featuring jazz legends John Gilmore and Marshall Allen, swing through Henderson classics like ‘Yeah Man’ and ‘Big John’s Special’ with infectious energy, while also tackling bebop gems from Tadd Dameron and Miles Davis. Ra’s elegant piano solos on ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ and ‘Cocktails for Two’ add a touch of sophistication to this dynamic performance.
The Arkestra blends the old with the new, playing Ra classics like ‘We Travel The Spaceways’ and ‘Lights On A Satellite,’ while June Tyson’s vocals feature on ‘Tapestry From An Asteroid.’ Ra mixes his signature sound with electric guitar and sizzling synthesizers on the percussion-heavy ‘Band Intro/Thunder Of The Drums.’
Two additional tracks complete the set: Ra’s piano brings a bluesy swagger and a hip, off-kilter vibe to ‘Left Bank Blues,’ while he switches to organ for a captivating take on Thelonious Monk’s ”Round Midnight.’ Both tracks were remastered from Robert Mugge’s 1980 film Sun Ra: A Joyful Noise.
LIGHTS ON A SATELLITE, LIVE AT THE LEFT BANK delivers high-quality live sound, showcasing vibrant interplay among the 20-piece ensemble. There’s nothing dull here, judging by the enthusiastic applause, the audience was clearly enjoying every moment
