Sun Ra & His Arkestra are a seminal figure in the realm of avant-garde jazz, led by the enigmatic composer, pianist, and bandleader Sun Ra. Born Herman Poole Blount in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1914, he later legally changed his name to Le Sony'r Ra and claimed he was of the “Angel Race” — not from Earth but from Saturn. Sun Ra's work with his Arkestra is not merely a musical journey but an elaborate cosmic philosophy that traverses through space and time. Sun Ra's deep synthesizer excursions, intricate arrangements, and pioneering use of electronic keyboards put him at the forefront of the afrofuturism movement, blending ancient Egyptian aesthetics with futuristic narratives. His music is characterized by its complexity, eclecticism, and unorthodox blend of jazz and other genres.

The Arkestra, a fluid and expansive ensemble with a rotating membership, embraced the theatrics of performance with elaborate, otherworldly costumes and free-form improvisations. They have become known for their prolific output and unorthodox approach to recording and release formats. Albums like "Astro Black" and "Space Is The Place" are widely considered classics, with their unique blend of space-themed lyrics, dense instrumentation, and free improvisation. Even after Sun Ra's passing in 1993, the Arkestra has continued to perform under the direction of long-time member Marshall Allen. Recent releases remaster and revisit some of the group's most creative periods, ensuring that the otherworldly and transformative music of Sun Ra & His Arkestra continues to reach and inspire new audiences across the cosmos of sound.

Genres

Experimental Big Band

Free Jazz

Latest Release

The Cymbals / Symbols Sessions: New York City 1973

Sun Ra & His Arkestra

Album - 11 Tracks - Released June 30, 2023