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Joyful return of Michael Ray

Eric Pfeiffer | Palmyra, NJ United States | 06/27/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I love this record. Not just because I am a fan of Sun Ra and, living in Philadelphia, had the opportunity to see the Arkestra in some very intimate settings. Whenever Michael was in the line-up (as he usually was, when I saw the band), he had a stand-out personality. A glow about him. It was clear that he was not only a master of the trumpet, but loved to "play" in every sense of the word. This record is not a simple rehash of Sun Ra, although he is well tributed, nor of Kool & the Gang (with whom Michael spent some time). This is a burst of joyful music. The strong New Orleans influence is a blast. I just smile when I listen to this. It's great music to clean to. Great to listen to spacing out under the stars. Works great at parties. I can't think of a setting in which it would fail. This is jazz funk at it's best."

High energy modern jazz with a funky twist.

Paul Carr | Silver Spring, MD United States | 05/02/1998

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Former Sun Ra Arkestra trumpeter Michael Ray bills his music as "Jazz-Funk of the Future," and I'd have to say that was pretty accurate. For the most part, this is a serious jazz recording, which takes an Earth, Wind and Fire style detour in places, as well as the beguiling New Orleans funk style of "Beans and Rice." One interesting feature of this recording is the intelligent, swinging use of steel drums along with the more conventional jazz instrumentation of trumpet, alto sax, trombone, piano and rythm section. All musicians on this recording are very sharp performers, and Michael Ray can flat out play a trumpet. A CD that cries out for a follow-up."

Spacey:Funk of the Future

Dave Harris | The Woodlands, Texas | 05/10/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This cd is a reflection of total music experience: the past, the now, the future. A great effort by a great trumpet player. I look forward to the next flight into space. Space is the place. I am glad to have had the pleasure of playing music with Michael Ray.
He has always been at the front of creative ideas. Peace."