These two concerts were recorded in Germany and from my understanding this was their first outing there. The albums kicks off with a unique track called Black Forest Myth and it is unique because the concert was held in Donaueschingen which is in the actual Black Forest of Germany. The track sets a tone for the rest of the gig which is darkly energetic. There are very few melodic breaks here and the whole gig is filled with really fiery and intense saxophone solos often lightly accompanied by other instruments. Often times you will get two saxophones battling it out while everything else is dormant until the moment ends and the gate opens for an incredible rush of percussion and Sun Ra's electronic keyboards. You can hear multiple audible "BOO" which is understandable, this really was an uncompromising live show. I said a lot of "YEAH" while I was listening to it though.
The second recording, Out In Space, was recorded in Berlin also on the same tour. This one seems much more cheerful and warmer than the eerie first one. Maybe because the place wasn't called so ominously, to the band at least. Probably the star of this concert is the opening 30 minute mammoth track featuring some unusual instruments that slowly unravel the composition as it goes on until it fully blossoms into a raging fire of series of improvisations both by Sun Ra and his fellow band members. Aside from being more approachable it also contains my all time favorite composition by Sun Ra which is Watusa (or Watusi, depends on recording) a track that features primarily drums and a million other percussive instruments. It's a composition that starts with a really hectic riff that quickly swirls into a whirlwind of drums and then just goes wild with every imaginable percussive instrument. But on here it lasts mere 2 and half minutes so it's tolerable to those who don't like it and unbearable to me who does like it!
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