Released: 20/01/23
To mark what would have been Sun Ra’s 100th birthday, Strut and Art Yard present In The Orbit Of Ra, a new compilation curated by Arkestra’s longest-serving member and current leader, Marshall Allen. This internationally released collection offers an introduction to Sun Ra’s music, spanning over 25 years and mastered from original tapes. Showcasing the Arkestra’s evolving cosmic jazz—from the ’60s to early ’80s—the album features highlights like “Spontaneous Simplicity,” “Rocket Number Nine,” and “Dance Of The Cosmo Aliens.” It also includes exclusive unreleased tracks: the 1977 live acoustic “Trying To Put The Blame On Me,” a 1962 “Reflects Motion” Part 1, and an extended late-’60s version of “Island In The Sun.” The release features insights and memories from core Arkestra members, offering a unique glimpse into Sun Ra’s mystical, improvisational legacy.