Sun Ra - Disco 3000 (1978)

Disco 3000 is yet another release by the Sun Ra Quartet, recorded during an incredibly prolific period in Italy in January of 1978. The players are Ra (keys), John Gilmore (tenor sax), Michael Ray (trumpet), and Luqman Ali (drums), with assistance from the Crumar Mainman synthesizer/rhythm box. The title cut is pretty free, with Ra's carnival organ starting the proceedings along with some programmed rhythms. Everyone takes turns soloing, with Michael Ray doing his trademark trumpet-with-delay imitation and some weird panning effects tossed in. They also veer into the "Space Is the Place" chant, briefly. "Third Planet/Friendly Galaxy" is a more straightforward bop-flavored piece that gives way to a great John Gilmore tenor solo accompanied only by Luqman Ali. "Dance of the Cosmo-Aliens" is basically a Ra keyboard showcase with the rhythm box and only the slightest contributions from Ali. The applause at the end indicates that at least this track was recorded live. This quartet was a short-lived experiment that put out a wide range of material. The more "inside" material was released on the Horo albums Other Voices, Other Blues and New Steps, with Saturn releasing the rest (Media Dream, Disco 3000, The Sound Mirror) (all will probably be difficult to find) [HA! - or maybe not so hard to find - yotte]. This is an interesting, but not essential recording, whose reputation is probably based more on its obscurity/rarity status than the music it contains.
AMG Review by Sean Westergaard

In the winter months of 1977-1978, philosopher, pianist and bandleader Sun Ra was in Italy. The Italian tour resulted in releases on Sun Ra's own Saturn label, all of which have long been out of print and all but impossible to find. With the re-release of DISCO 3000 one of the most celebrated of these elusive Saturn gems is once more available. This release, and it's companion MEDIA DREAMS, capture a side of Sun Ra's work - small ensemble, close form, original composition, rather minimal - that is otherwise under-represented. Depending heavily on Ra's electric and electronic keyboards (including the mysterious Crumar Mainman - of which even the company has no record) and, more unusually, on his intelligent use of sequencers and rhythm machines, this is an important window on the evolution of Ra's musical thinking, rendered even more transparent by the economy of its means; a quartet comprising only saxophonist John Gilmore, trumpeter Michael Ray and drummer Luqman Ali.
from Jazzloft.com

Sun Ra Quartet featuring John Gilmore

Disco 3000

1. Disco 3000   26:19
2. Third Planet   6:24
3. Friendly Galaxy   1:17
4. Dance Of The Cosmo-Aliens   11:05

FLAC

or

320

Disco 3000 The Complete Milan Concert
in FLAC
-currently available at-