In 1971 Sun Ra and the full Arkestra of the time went to Egypt. Three Saturn LPs were released memorialising this visit: Horizon was the last (it has also been known as Starwatchers and Sun Ra in Egypt Vol.2). It's a fine recording of a classic band - in great shape here -and comprises a big chunk of the now legendary Balloon Theatre concert (there's more on the companion CD Nidhamu). The first three tracks (what was side 1 of the LP) form a continuous uncut block, and feature a lot of Ra's all-hell-let-loose Moog soloing, some (borrowed)Tiger Organ, and a great version of Discipline 2. Side 2 kicks off with an instrumental version of Enlightment, (restored in its place from the original concert. It was not on the original LP) segueing slowly into Space is the Place - followed by drum orchestra, more solo Moog (bloops, hoovers, whistles, concords taking off, insect hordes.) which leads to a first lurching, then wild, Discipline 8. There are two bonus tracks, heard for the first time here - also restored from the original concert: We'll Wait for You, with June Tyson and The Satellites are Spinning, culminating in a full-on percussion fest. The version of Shadow World is also longer than the edited version on the LP.
In 1971 Sun Ra and the full Arkestra of the time went to Egypt. Three Saturn LPs were released memorialising this visit: Horizon was the last (it has also been known as Starwatchers and Sun Ra in Egypt Vol.2). It's a fine recording of a classic band - in great shape here -and comprises a big chunk of the now legendary Balloon Theatre concert (there's more on the companion CD Nidhamu). The first three tracks (what was side 1 of the LP) form a continuous uncut block, and feature a lot of Ra's all-hell-let-loose Moog soloing, some (borrowed)Tiger Organ, and a great version of Discipline 2. Side 2 kicks off with an instrumental version of Enlightment, (restored in its place from the original concert. It was not on the original LP) segueing slowly into Space is the Place - followed by drum orchestra, more solo Moog (bloops, hoovers, whistles, concords taking off, insect hordes.) which leads to a first lurching, then wild, Discipline 8. There are two bonus tracks, heard for the first time here - also restored from the original concert: We'll Wait for You, with June Tyson and The Satellites are Spinning, culminating in a full-on percussion fest. The version of Shadow World is also longer than the edited version on the LP.