Other Planes of There (Remastered 2014) [feat. Walter Miller, Marshall Allen, John Gilmore, Ronnie Boykins & Pat Patrick]

As the ‘60s unfolded, Sun Ra’s new home of New York City and the free jazz movement that was gaining momentum there embraced him. But the bandleader didn’t believe in democratic musical ideals, expecting his Arkestra (who definitely were listening to what other players of the era were doing) to fulfill the visions he set in motion. Recorded in 1964 and released in 1966, this opens with an unhurried multi-movement title piece, with Ra playing a seemingly out-of-tune piano with strong contributions from trumpeter Walter Miller, longtime bassist Ronnie Boykins, Marshall Allen on oboe(!), and others. “Sound Spectra/Spec Sket” highlights the trap drum and percussion of Roger Blank and Lex Humphries. The horns come back for the driving “Sketch,” which has an undeniable sense of swing. Bereft of a steady beat, “Pleasure” stays aloft thanks to Pat Patrick's baritone sax, while “Spiral Galaxy” is more in line with the waltzing African exotica of a few years earlier as it builds to a mighty full-band crescendo. This is definitely one of the band’s stronger efforts from their classic era.