Ra to the Rescue
is a live set recorded at the
Squat Theater
in New York in 1982. It's quite well recorded, although some of the tracks are faded or edited somewhat abruptly.
"Ra to the Rescue (Chapter 1)"
is an insane solo synthesizer workout that has
Ra
in full sci-fi mode. He does things with a synthesizer that you never would have thought possible. For Chapter 2, it's
Marshall Allen
's turn, doing things you never thought possible with an alto saxophone. Then the album shifts gears into a very nice arrangement of
"Fate in a Pleasant Mood"
that leaves out the lyrics, but has nice "la-la-la" vocals and hand claps. The second side of the album heads in a
blues
direction.
"When Lights Are Dark"
is a very swinging basic
, with just bass and drum accompaniment.
"They Plan to Leave"
starts with a bluesy piano intro, then
June Tyson
and
John Gilmore
singing.
switches to synth, then takes the vocal lead while
Tyson
Gilmore
continue in the background. "They Plan to put the White House on the moon, soon! and the Kremlin on a satellite!" This is another great
Arkestra
vocal track.
"Back Alley Blues"
closes the set with a fantastic
gospel
-
stomper.
may be tough to find, but it's well-worth seeking out for fans. ~ Sean Westergaard