The Magic City (remastered) vinyl

The Magic City is a pivotal moment in Sun Ra's evolving "space jazz" vision, representing a period of intense experimentation in the mid-1960s. Often hailed as one of his most important works, this album showcases Ra's avant-garde approach, blending free jazz improvisation with cosmic themes. Contrary to popular belief, the title refers not to New York, where it was recorded, but to Ra's hometown of Birmingham, Alabama, symbolising his connection to both earthly and cosmic realms. The title track spans the entire first side of the album, over 27 minutes of deeply textured improvisation. It's a dense and unpredictable journey, where Ra's piano and Ronnie Boykins' bass intertwine with Roger Blank's explosive drumming and Marshall Allen's ethereal piccolo. This sprawling piece is followed on Side-2 by three shorter compositions: 'The Shadow World' and two versions of 'Abstract', filled with eerie contrasts and shifting sonic landscapes. The special edition vinyl includes two bonus tracks, 'Big City Blues' and 'Message to Earthman', further deepening the album's surreal and otherworldly character. The Magic City stands as a bold expression of Sun Ra's boundary-pushing artistry and his ongoing exploration of the cosmos through sound.