Nubians of Plutonia [Vinyl] Reviews

This is a very hard bop'n sounding release by Sun Ra and it's one of his better releases. I wouldn't say it's an outstanding release but I listen to it often and it is different. Plutonian Nights is a classic hard bop number with a cool improv cello solo past the half way point. It's a good mix and keeps the track from being boring. The Lady With the Golden Stockings (The Golden Lady) is a bit slower than the first track but it keeps the same sound and sounds like it was recorded in a cafe. It totally has that cafe qaulity sound to it and that's not a bad thing. I love this track personally because there's a lot going on in it. The flute solo is very nice. There's even a cowbell! Who hates the cowbell? Right, no one. Star Time is another great fast paced tune. Pretty much what you'd expect to hear from anyone during the 60's. Nothing special added hear but it's still a good number.

Side B starts off with Nubia with it's great organ opening. It's fast paced but it's kind of dull as it's mostly a soft sounding drum solo for half the track. It would have made a great track had it been 4 minutes instead of 8 I think. It's good to have these drum solos on an album too but this tracks solo is just too long and the drums just aren't hard enough I guess for my liking. Africa is a fairly soft track with some, well, african style drums playing and a flute for the most part. It's not overly great as well. Watusa is a short fast paced number and it's very latin sounding. The LP ends with Aiethopia, and is probably the best track on this side. It's another relaxing piece with some good piano in it. Love it.

All in all if it was for the few week points on side B I would rate this much higher but this is a good starting point for Sun Ra so I'd highly recommend it.

Here is some extra info:

Piano, Organ - Sun Ra
Saxophone (Baritone) - Charles Davis
Flute, Saxophone (Alto) - Marshall Allen
Bass - Ronnie Boykins
Timbales - James Herndon
Saxophone (Tenor), Bells - John Gilmore