This month, the London-based label Lanquidity Records will be releasing on vinyl for the first time ever, Sun Ra Arkestra’s, now considered, legendary 1986 performance in Kalisz, Poland.

This ten-track live recording took place during the Cold War when the Soviet Union still occupied Poland, and the country was largely separated from the West. During this time, where there was much tension in the country, as Poles were continuing to demand their freedom, the Arkestra were invited to play during Kalisz’s 13th edition the International Jazz Piano Festival, and as it’s clear in the recording, the band did not disappoint.

During the session, the group performed a number of wild free-wheeling improvisational parts, as well as two classic Sun Ra compositions in “Discipline 27-II,” “Yeah Man!”, and “Children of the Sun.” The band also played incredible versions of jazz standards “Prelude to a Kiss”, and “Mack the Knife”, which is arguably the recordings’ best moment.

This well-packaged release also includes a four-page booklet featuring some remarkable photos taken during the live concert, that make the release worth owning all on it’s own.

Overall, a must-own for any Sun Ra enthusiast, and a truly great snapshot of the band performing at their height. Highly Recommended!

ALSO CHECK OUT: BeatCaffeine’s 15 Most Essential Sun Ra Records

Sun Ra Arkestra — ‘Live in Kalisz 1986’
(Lanquidity Records)

1. Infinity Drum Intro/Discipline 27-II
2. Children of the Sun
3. Improvised I
4. Yeah Man!
5. Improvised II
6. Untitled Blues
7. I’ll never be the same
8. Prelude to a Kiss
9. Mack the Knife
10. Outro

BUY RECORD

• Jazz
• Spiritual Jazz