Sun Ra and His Year 2000 Myth Science Arkestra

The Profile

Sun Ra (leader of the Arkestra) was an American jazz composer, bandleader and pianist known for pioneering cosmic/experimental jazz and leading an eccentric, theatrical ensemble active from the 1950s until 1993.

Known for an eccentric stage persona and claiming extraterrestrial origins (Saturn), theatrical costumes and performances, early and adventurous use of electric keyboards, and pioneering what has been called 'cosmic' or Afrofuturist jazz. The review emphasizes Atlantis as an intense example of his experimental free-jazz.

The available review celebrates Atlantis as a landmark of experimental free-jazz and cosmic music. Sun Ra is described as an eccentric, theatrical bandleader who claimed extraterrestrial origins. The review highlights early, extreme use of electric keyboards and dense polyrhythms.