Back catalogue: Library/Archive

Review: Sun Ra's 1971 U.C. Berkeley lecture, "The Black Man in the Cosmos," has been officially released for the first time, revealing a previously unknown half-hour of cosmic insight from the visionary musician. In this newly unearthed session, Ra guides his students through thought-provoking ideas, underscored by the sound of chalk on the board, creating an almost meditative atmosphere. His soft-spoken yet powerful delivery touches on themes of space, existence, and identity. The lecture closes with two rare musical performancesia serene piano rendition of 'Love In Outer Space' and an electrifying 16-minute Moog synthesizer solo. These performances capture the boundless creativity that defined Ra's work during this pivotal time in his career. The audio, sourced from the Creative Audio Archive, has been carefully restored and transferred by Todd Carter, with Alex Inglizian handling the mastering. The release includes images of the original tape box and reel, featuring Ra's handwritten notes. Produced by John Corbett and packaged with care, this CD offers a rare glimpse into both the intellectual and musical genius of Sun Ra during a defining era of his artistic journey.