Sun Ra – Prophet (Red Vinyl)

$40.99

Featuring what may be his only recordings on the Prophet keyboard, these once lost performances expand the omniverse of Ra across a stellar set of lengthy cuts! All recorded in a single day and finally making their terrestrial debut, pressed on yellow vinyl and packaged with a Prophet keyboard brochure plus notes from Ranthropologist Brother Cleve! What happens when a Prophet meets a Prophet? The answer lies within these grooves. Amongst the hundreds of recordings issued by Sun Ra and his Arkestra, under their various guises, the majority were recorded in concert or in makeshift studios such as their early 1960s set-up at NYC’s Choreographer’s Workshop. Beyond those, roughly 22 albums were recorded at Variety Recording Studio in New York’s Times Square. However, on August 25, 1986, Sun Ra and cohorts entered Mission Control, a state-of-the-art 24-track studio north of Boston, which was teeming with electronic keyboards and otherworldly sound generators. Nestled within that arsenal was a brand-new digital ultra keyboard the Prophet VS (“Vector Synthesizer”). Of all the keyboards Ra played throughout his half-century career, the Prophet was one of the most sophisticated. There’s no evidence that he had played either of the instrument’s earlier incarnations, the Sequential Circuits Prophet-5 and Prophet-10. Created using microprocessors, a then-new technological advance, under the auspices of engineer Dave Smith in 1978, the Prophet-5 revolutionized electronic music as the first polyphonic and, most importantly, programmable synthesizer. Ra was intrigued by the Prophet (surely by the instrument as well as by the name). Recorded during a single day, it’s about time that these once lost performances have now been found.

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Record Details

LabelMODERN HARMONIC
Catalog NoMHC 8268
FormatVinyl LP
CountryUnited States
Barcode0090771421111
ConditionNew / Sealed
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Sun Ra , PROPHET (RED VINYL) captures a rare moment in the expansive discography of a key figure in jazz. Known for his avant-garde approach and cosmic philosophy, Sun Ra’s contribution to music transcends conventional boundaries, making this record a standout addition to any collector’s library. This edition features previously lost recordings that highlight Ra’s use of the Prophet keyboard, showcasing a fascinating intersection of jazz and electronic experimentation.

Exploring the Significance of PROPHET

The album PROPHET is significant not only for its rare recordings but also for the story it tells of Sun Ra’s innovative spirit. These performances were recorded in a state-of-the-art studio, Mission Control, on a single day in 1986, using the advanced Prophet VS synthesizer. This instrument, developed by Dave Smith, was one of the first programmable synthesizers, allowing musicians to explore new sonic realms. Ra’s direct interaction with this technology offers a glimpse into his unique vision, blending traditional jazz with avant-garde electronic soundscapes, making each track on this album a compelling listening experience.

Pressing and Edition Details

This pressing is a limited red vinyl edition from the Modern Harmonic label, making it an appealing choice for any vinyl enthusiast. The record comes with a special brochure detailing the Prophet keyboard alongside informative notes by Ranthropologist Brother Cleve. Collectors will appreciate the care that has gone into this release, not just in the audio quality but also in the visual and informational packaging. It represents a confluence of music history and cutting-edge equipment that few records can claim to capture.

Why Collectors Will Want This Copy

For vinyl collectors, Sun Ra , PROPHET (RED VINYL) is more than just another album; it is a limited edition that holds historical weight. The unique circumstances surrounding its recording, combined with the lost nature of the performances, adds an allure that regular pressings cannot match. With Ra’s exploration of electronic music and the notable Prophet keyboard at the forefront, this record stands as a testament to his artistry. Whether you are a longtime fan or a newcomer to his work, this release is an opportunity to experience Sun Ra’s innovative legacy firsthand.

Tracklist

1. THE PROPHET
2. INFINITY EXCURSION
3. THE PROPHET AT PLAY
4. THE PROPHET RETURNS

Additional information

Format

LP

Genre

Jazz

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