One of America's leading liberal arts colleges, Haverford is a close-knit intellectual community located on a serene campus just outside Sun Ra's home base of Philadelphia.
Sun Ra's 1980 solo set at Haverford has been kicking around the internet and in the digital libraries of Ra collectors for years. It has not previously been commercially released, nor has there been any (known) diligent attempt to upgrade the fidelity. However, journalist, music historian, radio personality, record producer, and self-described "landmark preservationist" Irwin Chusid has recently taken actions on both counts. According to Chusid:
This is a very unique performance. Sun Ra is notorious for his aggressive keyboard attack and seemingly schizophrenic stylings—which can musically go from A to Z and back to A without transitional bridges. This set offers a marked contrast. Ra's instrument of choice here is the celeste-like Fender Rhodes electric piano, which has a distinct sound (instantly recognizable in the Doors' Riders on the Storm). . . There are few pyrotechnics in this performance, and much restraint. Ra sounds relaxed and contemplative. It's soothing sounds for Saturnians.
I know the long run of Sun Ra-exclusive DOTM posts has ended, but that doesn't mean we can't still enjoy a little taste of his music from time to time.
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