Sun Ra - Space Probe (expanded) (1974)

Space Probe is another super-obscure Saturn release with a tortured history. Originally released in 1974, early discographies assigned a catalog number Saturn 527, although no known copies bear this number (See Campbell & Trent, p.107, 158). Instead, matrix numbers 14200A /14200B appear on most labels, although the sides are sometimes reversed (Id.). To make things even more confusing, the album was sometimes titled A Tonal View Of Times Tomorrow, Vol.1 (Saturn 527!) and, worse, there are numerous hybrid versions of Space Probe with a completely different B-Side (See, Id. for all the gory details). And that’s just the beginning of the discographical weirdness. So it goes with Sun Ra records! And that’s essentially why I feel compelled to write about this stuff—it’s the only way I can make sense of it all. Thankfully, the Art Yard label has recently reissued the original version of Space Probe in an expanded CD edition which includes unedited performances and several unissued outtakes from the era. Hooray!

The title track was recorded in August, 1969, shortly after Sun Ra purchased his first MiniMoogs, making it one of the first epic synthesizer solos he ever recorded. And it is truly epic: almost eighteen minutes of spaceship noises, cosmic bloops and bleeps and other electronic mayhem. While not as hair-raising as later live performances would be, it’s still an adventurous solar voyage and demonstrates his near-osmotic mastery of the complex technology.
(continue reading at NuVoid's Sun Ra Sundays)

Space Probe

Space Probe dates from 1969-1970, and is a bit of an odd album. "Primitive" starts things out; basically it's a percussion piece featuring James Jacson's log drum and lots of hand percussion. There's just a bit of what sounds like bass clarinet at the beginning, but it doesn't last long. "Conversion of J.P." is a less cacophonous, percussion-oriented piece, highlighted at the beginning by the flute playing of Marshall Allen. Then Ra's piano enters about eight minutes in and takes the tune in a very different direction with the same percussion backing. Ra's playing here is fascinating, though not at all flashy. "Space Probe" is a side-long tour de force by Ra on the miniMoog, and he amply demonstrates that nobody handles a Moog quite like Sun Ra. It could be the sound effects to a '50s sci-fi flick, no problem, or a demonstration of how weird the miniMoog can get. It ain't easy listening, but it's pretty stunning all the same for those with adventurous ears.
AMG Review by Sean Westergaard

106. [92] Sun Ra and his Arkestra

When Sun Comes Out /
Space Probe /
Primitone

Sun Ra (p -2); John Gilmore (bcl -1, perc); Marshall Allen (fl -2); poss. Minerva Golón (cowbell -1); poss. Pat Patrick (cga, perc); poss. Tommy Hunter (perc); unidentified (cga).

Choreographers Workshop, NYC, 1963

Dimensions in Time (Ra) -1
Primitive (Ra) -1
The Conversion of J.P. (Ra) -2

"Dimensions in Time" was found in 1993, recorded backward in one stereo channel of the master tape of Saturn LP 2066, When Sun Comes Out, where it was probably placed before 1967.  It first appeared on Evidence 22068 [CD] in 1993.  The track was named by John Gilmore. Minerva Colón was Tommy Hunter's girlfriend; he recalls she played cowbell on a piece made in 1962 or 1963.  "Dimensions in Time" cuts off abruptly near the end of Gilmore's solo.  ct subsequently discovered that "Primitive" is the missing ending of "Dimensions in Time," picking up neatly as though the original tape had been sliced with a razor. The date for this session was arrived at on stylistic grounds; besides, John Gilmore is not known to have recorded on bass clarinet with Sun Ra after 1963 (previous discographies gave 1970-1972 as the date).

"Primitive" and "The Conversion of J.P." were first issued on Saturn LP 14200A/142000B, Space Probe, in 1974.  Some copies were titled A Tonal View of Times Tomorrow volume 1.  The serial number 527 is often given for this album, but it never appeared on the sleeve or on the label for this side.  In Alden Kimbrough's copy, this is Side A and the tracks are labeled "The Conversion" and "Primevil Age."  Though the matrix mumber for the side containing "Primitive" and "Conversion" is 14200A, on most copies this is labeled Side B!  On many later issues of Space Probe, this same side is replaced by Side B of The Invisible Shield.

There is also a distinct hybrid, released on Philadelphia Saturn label in the mid-'70s, called Primitone.  It consists of 143000A (from Outer Spaceways Incorporated) on Side A and 14200A on Side B.  Thanks to Hartmut Geerkenand Urs Berger for descriptions of this hybrid.  According to David Martinelli it was re-pressed and distributed by Recommended Records in the early 1980s.

164. [146] Sun Ra

Space Probe

Sun Ra (2 Mini-Moog syns).

Variety Recording Studios,
NYC, prob. 1970

Space Probe (Ra)

This track was released on the Philadelphia label as Side A of Saturn 14200A/142000B, Space Probe, in 1974.  As ct points out, it is not entirely clear which was Side A -- the label identifies this side as 14200A, but the matrix number is 142000B.  On Alden Kimbrough's copy, this is identified as Side B on the label.  John Gilmore stated that "Space Probe" was made in Philadelphia.  1970 seems likely because of Ra's extensive solo Mini-Moog activity around that time, but 1971-1973 cannot be ruled out.  According to Urs Berger, some releases of 14200A give 1970 as the date -- and others give 1973!

Some copies of Space Probe are titled A Tonal View of Times Tomorrow Volume 1.  The serial number 527 appears on the label for this side on some copies of the LP; it never appears on the jacket.

There are many hybrid pressings of Space Probe that replace the other side ("Primitive" and "The Conversion of J.P.") with Side B of The Invisible Shield (144000B).  Urs Berger's copy has a gray cover with a photocopied drawing of Sun Ra, partly in shadow, on the front and a pasted-in list of typed titles on the back.  The labels are blue Chicago on 144000B and white Chicago on 142000B.  Another hybrid of this type was produced in 1989 with red-and-green labels by the Hinds brothers; according to Geerken and Hefele, the press run on this version was 300 copies.

from Campbell / Trent  The Earthly Recordings 2nd ed.

Space Probe (LP) 

Sun Ra and his Arkestra

 
1. Dimensions in Time [Not on orig LP]   3:52

2. Primitive   2:30
3. The Conversion of J P   13:54

4. Space Probe   18:01

 

 

Space Probe (Art Yard CD)

1. Space Probe   17:57
2. Earth Primitive Earth   6:12
3. Circe - Sun Ra And Thea Barbara   0:47
4. Solar Symbols II   5:05
5. Dance Of The Wind   2:55
6. Recollections Of There - Sun Ra And Thea Barbara   4:51
7. Destiny   0:34
8. The Conversation Of J.P.*   13:44

*Michael D. Anderson give no explanation regarding the change in title from "The Conversion of J.P." to "The Conversation of J.P." I have to wonder if this new name is a typo or if Ra originally titled it so.