Kingdom of Discipline, released by Dead Currencies, is a compelling collection of live recordings from Sun Ra & His Arkestra, spanning performances from 1971 to 1990. This seven-track compilation immerses listeners in the cosmic, avant-garde jazz universe of Sun Ra, a visionary who famously professed to be from the planet Saturn.
Much like his extraterrestrial persona, his music defied convention, blending experimental jazz with an intergalactic ethos. Kingdom of Discipline is a sonic journey that traverses the distinct landscapes of Sun Ra’s imaginative world.
The album opens with “Tone Poem #9,” a mesmerizing introduction to Sun Ra’s layered approach to composition. The track’s drifting, dissonant quality showcases a broad spectrum of brass tones—from the smoky growl of the saxophone to the sharp, contentious cry of the trumpet. An arpeggiated guitar weaves through the piece, acting as an anchor amid the unpredictable solo improvisations, while Sun Ra hums along, subtly guiding the melody. The piece sets the stage for what is to come: a chaotic yet carefully structured exploration of sound.
A standout on the album is the beautifully surreal “Love in Outer Space.” This track exudes a lounge music charm with a dreamlike carousel effect. The intertwining layers of playful brass and soft, syncopated rhythms evoke a sensation of floating through space. The harmonics at the outro slowly unravel, giving the track an enchanting, weightless feel, leaving listeners with a sense of suspended time.
In contrast, “The Schimmel Impromptu” is a frenetic, piano-driven piece that pulses spontaneously. Sun Ra’s improvisation is wild and unrestrained, moving from delicate, tender moments to fierce, crashing chords. The erratic energy reflects the full range of his pianistic prowess, showcasing his ability to blur the lines between structure and free expression. Meanwhile, “Pleiades” offers a lighter, more whimsical experience. Two flutes dance and flutter across the soundscape, creating a playful atmosphere as if skipping through a field of daffodils.
“Reel 191 Blues” shifts gears, diving into a more traditional jazz groove, though with Sun Ra’s signature twist. The piece opens with deep, blues-soaked brass, dripping with a lazy, sleazy tone. A slinky, muted piano slithers through the melody, setting a sultry mood before a lively saxophone steps in, adding swagger to the track’s seductive, catlike flow.
The title track, “Kingdom of Discipline,” stands as one of the more intense pieces on the album. It begins with a dark, elegant piano that initially glides gracefully but soon transforms into a heavy, jarring resonance filled with tension. The composition oscillates between moments of fragile beauty and explosive dissonance, building to a brooding, weighty finale that leaves an indelible impression.
The album closes with “Sophisticated Lady,” a bright, exuberant track that borders on chaotic. A piercing organ rides atop a shuffling rhythm, blending sharp dissonance with vibrant energy. It’s a bold, brash way to conclude the album, capturing the essence of Sun Ra’s fearless approach to music-making.
Kingdom of Discipline offers an accessible yet intricate path into Sun Ra’s vast, innovative mind. The album balances his experimental nature with moments of melody and groove, making it both challenging and enjoyable. For those seeking to delve deeper into the Arkestra’s celestial jazz odyssey, this compilation is a fantastic entry point into the genius of one of jazz’s most unconventional figures.
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