Legendary Sun Ra-bassist Ronnie Boykins stepped out on his own for his first and only release as a leader on, "The Will Come, Is Now". He was invited by ESP in 1964 to record his own album, and in February 1974, he told ESP that he was finally ready, and the session took place later that month. This recording not only features Boykins' solid abilities as a bassist, including his marvelous arco work, but also his talents as a composer and arranger. In addition, one is treated to an all-natural bass sound, a rare sound during this particular era of jazz history. In septet format, Boykins' six originals create a variety of moods and textures that not only evokes the music of Sun Ra but also reflects Boykins' own sensibilities as an artist.
Personnel:
Marzette Watts (engineer)
Ronnie Boykins (bass, sousaphone , bells, shaker)
Joe Ferguson (flute, soprano sax, tenor sax, shaker)
Art Lewis (percussion, drums, bells, shaker)
Jimmy Vass (flute, alto sax, soprano sax, bells, shaker
Monty Waters (alto, soprano, bells, shaker)
George Avaloz (conga, bells, shaker)
Daoud Haroom (trombone, bells, shaker)
credits
released January 1, 1975
Press Quotes:
Rather than a high-energy screamfest, the selections have loosely arranged sections, a few strong melodies, and the utilization of an interesting seven-piece unit. - Scott Yanow (AMG)
"Bassist Ronnie Boykins is perhaps best known for his work in Sun Ra's Arkestra, of which he was an intrinsic member for nearly a decade. His inimitable bass style can be heard on all of Ra's most significant recordings, and Ra had a difficult time finding someone to fill Boykins' shoes when he left the Arkestra in 1966. His 1975 self-titled release, featuring all original material, is from his post Ra period and represents one of the last great releases in the ESP-Disk catalogue. Featuring Joe Ferguson on tenor sax and flute, Monty Waters and James Vass on alto and soprano sax, Daoud Haroom on trombone, and Art Lewisand George Avaloz on percussion. Also includes various bells and hand shaken instruments played by all musicians." - Forced Exposure
supported by 34 fans who also own “The Will Come Is Now”
I have one of the TPings of this genius's work and ît feels like a great honor. I think of Grimes as being more famous with musicians than the general public because of his taste in music. But he is brilliant and worth familiarizing yourself with. Great album start to finish. John Seltenreich
supported by 31 fans who also own “The Will Come Is Now”
I was brought here after listening to a live performance of Makaya's on you tube. I instantly loved the song Holy Lands so much that I had to see if the album version was the same rendition as the live one. Then I listened to the whole album! Universal Beings is a just a groove... It's a mix of traditional and something new, very nice. pandr1900