28.7.10

Joyful Noise

Among recent additions to the superb UBU web archive I found this 60 minute documentary on Sun Ra (1914-1993). For anyone unfamiliar with Ra this is a great introduction. Apart from the amazing music, virtuosic playing, and outlandish costumes, what makes him so interesting a subject is his theoretical sophistication and originality. Director Robert Mugges gives Ra time to introduce and expound both the afro-futurist ‘mythocracy’ underpinning his work and the more concrete, everyday philosophy of discipline and precision instilled in the Arkestra’s musicians.