The Universe in Blue
is a fantastic set. The title cut is just a slow
blues
soloing showcase with
Sun Ra
's "intergalactic space organ," trumpet (not sure who),
John Gilmore
's tenor sax, and back to
Ra
.
June Tyson
takes center stage for
"Blackman"
, giving a particularly impassioned performance.
"In a Blue Mood"
(just
and
Luqman Ali
on drums) and
"Another Shade of Blue"
are just back-to-the-basics
form for more soloing.
sticks to organ for the entire date, and it's just wonderful to hear what
the Arkestra
does with such a "simple" form. This is a fairly rare, fairly inside date, and fans of
Gilmore
's playing will be especially pleased. ~ Sean Westergaard