New Steps is one of several albums done with this basic lineup in January of 1978. This album is billed to
the Sun Ra Quartet, but it sounds like there's a bass player present on at least some of the cuts (it could be
Ra, but he'd need three hands). There are two standards amongst a program of
Ra originals, and things get started with a stellar version of "My Favorite Things." The music quickly takes its only sharp turn toward outer space as
Ra introduces listeners to "Moon People," the only track where
Ra emphasizes synthesizer over piano. "Sun Steps" is a slow tune featuring some beautiful piano playing from
Sun Ra. In fact, the remainder of the album is on the mellow side ("When There Is No Sun" is the only track with vocals), and features some great statements by
John Gilmore and
Ra. Michael Ray is in fine form as well, if somewhat less exuberant than usual. With such a small group, solo space is ample, and
Luqman Ali's understated drumming really holds things together nicely.
New Steps is another fabulous release from
Sun Ra, but all the Horo albums can be difficult to find. [This release was remastered and co-produced by
Michael D. Anderson (of the
Sun Ra Music Archive) and
Irwin Chusid, under the auspices of
Sun Ra LLC, the heirs of the late music legend. Original session tapes were used when available and sound quality should surpass all previous CD/digital editions.] ~ Sean Westergaard