Sun Ra

Sun Ra (May 22, 1914–May 30, 1993) was an innovative jazz composer, bandleader, piano and synthesizer player, who came to be known as much for preaching his bizarre "cosmic philosophy" as for his phenomenal musical compositions and performances.

Documentaries, motion pictures and biographies

Sun Ra and his Arkestra were the subject of a documentary film made in 1972 and a feature film entitled Space Is The Place in 1974. The soundtrack, also by Sun Ra, is available on CD.

Related Topics:
1972 - Space Is The Place - 1974

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To date, Space Is the Place: The Lives and Times of Sun Ra by John F. Szwed is probably the definitive biography.

Related Topics:
John F. Szwed - Biography

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Sun Ra: A Joyful Noise is available on DVD. This one hour film by Robert Mugge highlights the Arkestra playing Ra's brand of 'cosmic jazz' interspersed with Sun Ra's commentary on various subjects ranging from today's youth to his own place in the cosmos. Of particular interest are two scenes: one with Sun Ra playing a more traditional jazz solo piano, and, the other, an improvisation which is almost classical-like (albeit modern classical) in its approach.

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The Magic Sun - a 1966 film by Phil Niblock featuring Sun Ra & His Solar Arkestra was released on DVD on 08 March 2005 by Atavistic/Unheard Music Series (DJ-861). This film is part of the experimental underground genre and was shot using a black and white negative film process that utilizes extreme close-up shots of Sun Ra & the Arkestra as they find their groove during the following songs: Celestial Fantasy, Shadow World and Strange Strings. This short film is a gem for collectors and others familiar with the otherworldly jazz of Sun Ra, but is not a good starting point for beginners.

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