Sun Ra's "Lights on a Satellite" is a historic live album capturing the legendary Sun Ra Arkestra's performance at The Left Bank in Baltimore on July 23, 1978. This double album, released by Resonance Records, is a testament to Sun Ra's enduring influence and the Arkestra's dynamic energy, blending free jazz, hard bop, and avant-garde elements with Afro-futuristic themes that Sun Ra pioneered long before the term was coined.
Under the direction of NEA Jazz Master Marshall Allen, who celebrated his 100th birthday in 2024, the 24-piece Arkestra delivers an electrifying setlist that includes fan favorites and deep cuts. Tracks like "Tapestry From an Asteroid," "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," and the title track "Lights on a Satellite" showcase the band's virtuosic playing and Sun Ra's innovative compositions. The album also features a rendition of the jazz standard "'Round Midnight," highlighting the Arkestra's ability to reinterpret classic material with their unique sound.
Recorded with immaculate clarity, "Lights on a Satellite" offers a vivid snapshot of Sun Ra's musical legacy, making it a vital addition to any jazz enthusiast's collection. The album is available on CD, three different collector's vinyl variants, and digitally, ensuring that fans can experience this historic performance in their preferred format. Whether you're a longtime admirer of Sun Ra or a newcomer to his music, this album is a captivating journey through the cosmos of one of jazz's most visionary figures.
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