Universe In Blue has never been available on CD, and only a previous unofficial vinyl
version was available prior to 2022
Includes liner notes by Irwin Chusid, and an expanded essay by Jazz historian Ben
Young. CD has two bonus tracks with 20+ minutes of bonus material.
A collection of torrid live club performances at the legendary NYC venue Slugs.
Originally released in 1972, these recordings provide an intriguing glimpse of the
Arkestra’s repertoire and virtuosity towards the end of their first decade in New York.
Universe in Blue is a rarity. After-hours music, showcasing Sun Ra’s twisted take
on the Blues, these recordings brought him to the greater attention of New York jazz
writers and helped cement his reputation for audacious showmanship.
Ra and his band performed at the famed East Village Slug’s almost every Monday
night for several years through the late sixties, and took the stage sporadically for
several years thereafter. This collection of undated performances from 1970-71 was
issued in small-run pressings with two different LP covers on Sun Ra’s Saturn label
around 1972, but has largely escaped further notice
1.Universe In Blue
2.Black Man [When The Black Man Ruled This Land] (Complete Version)
Featuring, Vocals – June Tyson
3.In A Blue Mood Featuring – John Gilmore
4.Another Shade Of Blue
5.Discipline 27-II (CD Bonus Track)
6.Intergalactic Research (CD Bonus Track) – Featuring – John Gilmore