Sun Ra - The Sun Ra Arkestra Meets Salah Ragab in Egypt (Released 1999)

An Uncle Roddus Album Review

Sticking with Sun Ra for the moment with this interesting and rare release of Ra and Arkestra playing in Egypt with a fellow called  Salah Ragab, the founder of Egypt's  first Jazz band and the one who invited Ra to Egypt to play and record. in 1983/4. The first 3 tracks on this release were recorded by Ra and The Arkestra, with the first two written by Ragab. Both these tracks fit the Arkestra well and are not bad with some good solos and interesting rhythms, although "Dawn" gets a bit tiresome, maybe goes on a bit too long. The 18 Minute live version of "Watusa", although most probably very impressive in the context of a RA live show, with all the costumes and dancing ect...also gets a bit tiresome on record, especially with the long solely percussive section.

The Two Tracks "Ramadan" and  "A Farewell Theme" are preformed by the very impressive Cairo Jazz Band and "Oriental Mood" is preformed by a smaller group led by Ragab. All three tracks are very good Jazz compositions and fit well with Sun Ra with the Egyptian feel of their rhythms, most impressive and for me and the highlight of this release. This disc closes with a chaotic free jazz workout by the Cairo Free Jazz Ensemble which isn't too bad and allows me to give this an overall Roddus Rating of 3.5/5.

For more info and to listen to this set check it out Here