Sun Ra: Interviews and Essay

Ed. John Sinclair

Headpress 2010

Sun Ra is considered one of the most eccentric and creative members of the free jazz movement. He was a composer and musician yet also a philosopher and occultist. His work has never been collected in one place and this fascinating volumes brings together a selection of interviews, photos, comics and essays. It is impeccably researched and offers insight into his strange mystical and occult influenced worldview and includes rare photographs and images.

From the mid 1950s until his death in 1993, Sun Ra led "The Arkestra", an ensemble with an ever-changing line-up and name which sometimes numbered as many as thirty musicians living and playing together under the guidance, some would say despotic tutelage of Sun Ra himself. Their music touched upon the entire history of jazz, from ragtime to swing, bebop to free jazz, while the band also pioneered the use of new forms, including electronic music, space music and free improvisation.

While Sun Ra’s music have created a legendary reputation, it was his strange worldview which gave him cult status. He claimed to have originated from Saturn, and evolved a mystical sci-fi philosophy which he weaved into both the music and Dadaist performances of The Arkestra, whose performances which inspired artists as diverse as George Clinton and MC5.

Reviews appear on the Synergy website with a single cover image. In the digital and print edition, reviews appear with multiple images and with expanded content. We recommend you download the free digital edition (or buy the print edition) to get the most from Synergy Magazine.

This review will appear in Volume 3 No. 4 of the digital and print edition of Synergy Magazine.

If you came to this page directly (and missed our menu), click here to go to the front page of Synergy Magazine Website or use the following link: http://www.synergy-magazine.com