Sun Ra- Monorails and Satellites

[B. Goren.]

Monorails and Satellites is one of the best solo piano recordings I've recently listened to. Sun Ra was not only a band leader, but first and foremost a pianist. After listening to this recording I am convinced he belongs to the same league with all the great pianists of the jazz history.

[Alexander Hawkins]

I agree that this is a wonderful recording - although I seem to remember some here being a little lukewarm about solo Sun Ra in general. But I'm with you here - I think if Ra in a lineage with Tatum, Ellington, Monk, Hope, Nichols - even also people like Jimmy Yancey when he (Ra) plays the blues.

Although probably the most 'retro' track on the album, I can't get enough of 'Easy Street'. The feel is really special.

Interesting what you say about Ra being first and foremost a pianist. I think of him as similar to Ellington - would have been known just as a pianist, but with such extraordinary bandleading skills that this is the only realistic way I can frame them - AS bandleaders.

I feel that Ra probably would not have been served well by too many more solo recordings. I think perhaps pianistic (not musical) shortcomings would have shone through after a bit. But the legacy as it is I love. The Teatro La Fenice concert is a particular favourite.