Rating:
Genre:
Jazz
Release Date: 11/25/1993
Run Time: 45:16
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 the 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.
~Lindsay Planer, All Music Guide
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