The two Saturns, from 1966; plus a third, previously-unreleased volume of five originals and four standards.
‘More of a collection of statements than a style. Some of the tunes, with their odd juxtapositions of mood, could be mistaken for silent film scores. Perhaps they were audio notebooks, a way to generate ideas which could be developed with the band. Regardless, they serve as compelling standalone works. The fingering reflects Sun Ra’s encyclopedic knowledge of piano history as his passages veer from stride to swing, from barrelhouse to post-bop, from march to Cecil Taylor-esque free flights, with a bit of soothing candelabra- swank thrown in. Sunny’s attack is mercurial, his themes unpredictable. His hands can be primitive or playful, then abruptly turn sensitive and elegant. As with the whole of Sun Ra’s recorded legacy, you get everything but consistency and predictability.
‘The listener also experiences something rare in the omniverse of Sun Ra recordings: intimacy. His albums, generally populated by the rotating Arkestral cast, are raucous affairs. With the Monorails sessions, we eavesdrop on private moments: the artist, alone with his piano.’

With a sweet Hamlins on the flip.

Scorcher. Ska at the threshold of rocksteady. Mittoo and Dizzy Moore do it to it.

Arranged By Kieran Hebden.

The second of two LP volumes drawing on three stone-classic Blood & Fire compilations: Dub Gone Crazy, Dub Gone 2 Crazy, and Dub Like Dirt. A truly monumental selection of mind-bending mixes by King Tubby, Prince Jammy, Pat Kelly, Phillip Smart, and Scientist. The flip-sides of killer 45s by Johnny Clarke, Cornell Campbell, Delroy Wilson, Horace Andy, Leroy Smart — banger after banger, including nuff anthems — and specials from deep inside Bunny Lee’s archives. Indispensable.

Previously-unreleased takes of this ball of fire hurtling East with no survivors (from the second Ska Authentic). Pitiless, wondrous companion-piece to Last Call, from the same session.

Brawny, get-onboard rocksteady, with nyabinghi drumming throughout — including a tasty break. A first sighting of Solomon, from Police And Thieves.

Hard to resist Junior Murvin in this teasing, saucy mood, on a lovely nyabinghi rocksteady rhythm.
With an alternate take.

This is a jubilant, uplifting romp.
Recorded in 1970 at his large loft space in downtown New York, with Ornette playing trumpet and violin as well as saxophone, alongside Dewey Redman, Ed Blackwell, and Charlie Haden (and friends and neighbours sometimes singing along).
Five lovely tunes — pure OC blues — featuring terrific alto-playing, and Blackwell in a funkily rambunctious party mood.

With Stanley Clarke, Cecil McBee, Eddie Henderson, Carlos Garnett, Gary Bartz and Buster Williams.