1983
A Fireside Chat with Lucifer
01. Nuclear War 7:44
02. Retrospect 5:41
03. Makeup 4:56
04. A Fireside Chat With Lucifer 20:11
Piano, Synthesizer, Organ, Vocals – Sun Ra
Alto Saxophone, Flute – Marshall Allen
Baritone Saxophone, Flute – Danny Ray Thompson
Bass – Hayes Burnett
Bass – John Ore
Bassoon, Percussion – James Jacson
Drums – Samarai Celestial
French Horn – Vincent Chancey
Percussion – Atakatune
Tenor Saxophone – John Gilmore
Trombone – Tyrone Hill
Trumpet – Walter Miller
Recorded at Variety Studios, New York, September 1982
The key track on this rare 1980s recording sees Sun Ra warning the inhabitants of planet Earth about the threat of nuclear war and its ultimately apocalyptic effect. ‘Nuclear War’ is based on a call and response gospel chorus with Ra in the role as an interstellar preacher, raging against the nuclear war machine with a repetitive chanted expletive (think MC5!) that decades later still sounds shocking. Later released as a 12” on UK label Y, ‘Nuclear War’ has since passed into Sun Ra legend, only to rise again on this re- mastered reissue of one of Ra's rarest and strangest Saturn releases. While that dominates the album, the remaining pieces are prime examples of where Ra and his Arkestra were taking their music at the time – with the dreamily hallucinogenic ‘Retrospect’ and the more upbeat (but off-kilter) nightclub jazz groove of ‘Makeup’ being the intermission before the title track hits. ‘A Fireside Chat With Lucifer’ is ushered in with heraldic horns and muted percussion before slowly unravelling into a complex composition that involves the entire group. Flickering with fine contributions from main Arkestra players Allen, Gilmore and Thompson, the piece really catches fire with Ra's smouldering keyboard interventions effectively communicating what remains his wildest musical message ever.
This is an album (recorded in '82) that Sun Ra (And His Outer Space Arkestra) fans should check out. A few years ago there was an album titled "Nuclear War", which is where I first heard the track "Nuclear War", which was then (and still is today) a mix of a typical Sun Ra arrangement with a message that can be quite harrowing if you think about the lyrics--the foul language only punctuates the message.
Original LP cover
The 20 + minute "A Fireside Chat With Lucifer" has a lot going on with the orchestra going a bit into space to good effect. The eleven piece orchestra is in good shape here in an open sounding arrangement with a number of players who stuck with Ra over the years--Marshall Allen, John Gilmore, Danny Rae Thompson--are here in fine sound. The length of this track lets the band stretch out in a seeming cacophony of sound from the band with Ra throwing in some synthesizer sounds and piano and then things get opened up a bit with an atmospheric/mysterious arrangement from the band. This track is Ra out there a bit but not as far out as he can get.
"Retrospect" is a relaxed (for Ra) arrangement reminiscent of his earlier big band arrangements--a nice juxtaposition to the "Nuclear War" track. Ra is heard on organ over a tranquil arrangement for the horns. "Makeup" is close to a swinging jazz tune with Ra's organ sounding straight out of the late '50s/mid 60s. There's some nice sax work here also reminiscent of that period plus a great rhythm section (Samarai Celestial-drums and Hayes Burnett/John Ore-bass) supporting everything.
The jump in stylistic arrangements on this album make this another great Ra album. Ra fans buy this with confidence. Newbies should take a chance on something new and different and add this to their jazz collection. The disc slips into a pocket in the wallet style cardboard package. There's liner notes on the two inside panels along with a list of band members.
An F-bomb saturated hip-hop call & response club cut…from Sun Ra?! While the most renown track in this omniversal opus is the atomic expletive-filled repartee "Nuclear War," there is so much more to this dark mysterious journey through the mind of Sun Ra. The sprawling, suite-like 20-minute title track sustains a lyrical edge in spite of an open framework and textures, which encourage sonorities to surface and emerge from the band as if there was no human intention behind them. In opposition to "Nuclear War"' Ra's organ playing here was built less on bombast and sonic terror than it is on whispers, stutters, shivers, and swells. Fireside Chat offers a wide stylistic array, as was the artist's intent, reflecting his eclectic, seemingly irreconcilable approach to compositional extremes. With Sun Ra you get everything… except predictability.
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Title: A Fireside Chat with Lucifer: Exploring the Enigmatic Album by Sun Ra
ReplyDeleteIntroduction:
Sun Ra, a visionary jazz musician and bandleader, released the album "A Fireside Chat with Lucifer" in 1983. This album stands as a testament to Sun Ra's unique musical style and his ability to push the boundaries of jazz. In this essay, we will delve into the abstract and thought-provoking nature of this album, exploring its themes, arguments, and the profound impact it has had on the world of music.
Abstract:
"A Fireside Chat with Lucifer" is an album that challenges conventional musical norms, inviting listeners into a realm of cosmic exploration and philosophical contemplation. Sun Ra's avant-garde approach to jazz, combined with his poetic lyrics and experimental soundscapes, creates an otherworldly experience that transcends traditional musical boundaries.
Arguments with Examples:
1. Cosmic Exploration:
Sun Ra's album takes listeners on a journey through the cosmos, exploring themes of spirituality, metaphysics, and the nature of existence. The track "Nuclear War" serves as a prime example, where Sun Ra uses the metaphor of a nuclear war to highlight the destructive tendencies of humanity. By juxtaposing the horrors of war with the cosmic vastness of the universe, Sun Ra prompts listeners to reflect on the significance of their actions and the potential for transcendence.
2. Philosophical Contemplation:
The album's title itself, "A Fireside Chat with Lucifer," suggests a conversation with the devil, symbolizing a deep exploration of the human condition. Sun Ra's lyrics often touch upon existential questions, such as the purpose of life and the nature of good and evil. In the track "There Are Other Worlds (They Have Not Told You Of)," Sun Ra challenges societal norms and encourages listeners to question the limitations imposed upon them by mainstream culture. This philosophical introspection is a recurring theme throughout the album, inviting listeners to engage in deep reflection.
3. Experimental Soundscapes:
Sun Ra's musical arrangements in this album are characterized by their experimental nature. He incorporates elements of free jazz, electronic music, and even hints of rock, creating a unique sonic landscape. The track "The Satellites Are Spinning" exemplifies this, with its dissonant chords, unconventional time signatures, and the use of electronic instruments. Sun Ra's willingness to push the boundaries of jazz and experiment with new sounds showcases his innovative spirit and his desire to challenge the status quo.
Conclusion:
"A Fireside Chat with Lucifer" is a remarkable album that showcases Sun Ra's visionary approach to music. Through cosmic exploration, philosophical contemplation, and experimental soundscapes, Sun Ra invites listeners to embark on a journey of self-discovery and transcendence. This album serves as a testament to Sun Ra's artistic genius and his ability to create music that challenges and inspires. "A Fireside Chat with Lucifer" remains a timeless masterpiece, continuing to captivate and intrigue listeners with its enigmatic and thought-provoking nature.
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