Haverford College, Jan. 25, 1980

Like its title suggests, Haverford College, Jan. 25, 1980 (Solo Rhodes Piano) is a relatively low-key date from mythical legend Sun Ra, but it still offers surprises and unexpected detours. He sticks to a warm, soothing Fender Rhodes electric piano for the set, covering material such as standards and familiar favorites while also following his muse and incorporating spur-of-the-moment improvisations. Ras own "Love in Outerspace" starts out gentle and gliding, then excitingly reaches a turbulent patch. "Rhapsody in Blue" gets a similar treatment, starting out bright and shining if a bit slippery, then goes through moments when it just dovetails into ecstatic chaos. A medley of "Space Is the Place" and "Over the Rainbow" renders both nearly unrecognizable, and W.C. Handys "St. Louis Blues" becomes scrambled and jumpy. The bonus tracks include two acoustic piano performances from an unknown date, and the highlight is a very rickety "Take the A Train," which ends up driving off the rails. Additionally, the release features an encore duet that spotlights Walt Dickersons vibraphone rapidly tickling against Ras ethereal, crystalline Rhodes. The digital version of the 2023 edition features 25 minutes of giddy soloing by Dickerson alone. ~ Paul Simpson