Sun Ra And His Arkestra – Jazz In Silhouette

Sun Ra was an American jazz composer, bandleader, piano and synthesizer player, and poet known for his experimental music, “cosmic” philosophy, prolific output, and theatrical performances. For much of his career, Ra led “The Arkestra”, an ensemble with an ever-changing name and flexible line-up. His widely eclectic and avant-garde music echoed the entire history of jazz, from ragtime and early New Orleans hot jazz, to swing music, bebop, free jazz and fusion. His compositions ranged from keyboard solos to works for big bands of over 30 musicians, along with electronic excursions, songs, chants, percussion pieces, and anthems. He is widely considered an innovator; among his distinctions are his pioneering work in free improvisation and modal jazz and his early use of electronic keyboards and synthesizers. Jazz in Silhouette is an album recorded on March 6, 1959 and released in May of the same year. It was recorded in Chicago and critics have described it as one of Ra’s best from his relatively conventional early-career Chicago period before veering off into ‘full-fledged explorations into the avant-garde’ that characterises the recordings made in New York City in the 1960s. The Penguin Guide to Jazz selected this album as part of its suggested “Core Collection” and awarded it a “crown” accolade, stating “This marvellous record will one day be recognised as one of the most important jazz records since the war”.

180 gram Vinyl
Label: Not Now Music
Cat. # CATLP157