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SFJAZZ presents a cosmic jazz orchestra and a cultural phenomenon, the Sun Ra Arkestra. They continue the legacy of its visionary founder Sun Ra, who blended music, philosophy, mythology and science fiction in his quest for intergalactic harmony. In this concert, originally recorded on July 21, 2023, the Arkestra focuses on the more experimental exploratory music from Sun Ra’s songbook.

Personnel:
Elson Nascimento percussion, surdo
Jorge De Silva percussion
George Grey drums
Tyler Mitchell bass
Farid Barron piano
Kevin Bachelor trumpet
Cecil Brooks trumpet
Dave Davies trombone
Robert Stringer trombone
Knoel Scott baritone sax
Chris Hemingway alto saxophone
Anthony Nelson saxophone
James Stewart tenor sax
Tara Middleton vocals
Kash Killion cello

Setlist:
“Cosmos Drama” by Sun Ra Arkestra
“We Live In The Space Age” by Sun Ra Arkestra
“Seductive Fantasy” by Sun Ra Arkestra
“Space Is The Place” by Sun Ra Arkestra
“Saturn” by Sun Ra Arkestra
“Angels & Demons” by Sun Ra Arkestra
“Blue Set” by Sun Ra Arkestra
“Boma” by Sun Ra Arkestra
“We Travel The Spaceways” by Sun Ra Arkestra
“10. CHOPIN” by Sun Ra Arkestra
“Chopin” by Sun Ra Arkestra
“Queer Notions” by Coleman Hawkins
“Fate In A Pleasant Mood” by Sun Ra Arkestra
“We Travel The Spaceways” by Sun Ra Arkestra
“They’ll Come Back” by Sun Ra Arkestra

ABOUT SUN RA ARKESTRA

“Just like the days of old, the members of the Arkestra play music untethered by gravity and time.” — All About Jazz

The enduring legacy of jazz visionary and legendary eccentric Sun Ra is celebrated by this ensemble made up of Arkestra veterans and a younger generation of exploratory musicians, who has been a fixture of Sun Ra’s bands since 1958. For the first two nights of their week, the band focuses on the more experimental exploratory music from Sun Ra’s songbook.

Born Herman Blount, the enigmatic composer and keyboardist known as Sun Ra created an entire universe of expression through his pioneering Afro-futurist concepts in music and philosophy. He integrated Ellington-influenced big band swing with free jazz, the blues, electronics, and African musical traditions while establishing a singular visual style that combined futuristic concepts with ancient Egyptian iconography. One of the most prolific recording artists of all time, he released over a hundred full-length albums and innumerable singles during his career. His Arkestra appeared on Saturday Night Live, and was named Best Big Band in DownBeat’s Critics Poll five times.

Since his death in 1993, the Arkestra has continued to record and perform, first by the late tenor saxophonist John Gilmore, and under the direction of Marshall Allen (who will not be performing during these shows) for the last dozen years. Sun Ra claimed to have come from the planet Saturn to bring peace to Earth. His Arkestra continues this mission, needed now more than ever.