What is your first thought when someone mentions The Sun Ra Arkestra? Surely, it is the unique psychedelic sound of their music. The same thought comes to mind when talking about other music icons, such as George Clinton, Frank Zappa and Captain Beefheart. Yes, their styles differ, but what they have in common is the psychedelic sound of their music.<\/p>\n
We have selected our favourite recordings by these music icons for this week\u2019s Tuesday Tunes.<\/p>\n
The Sun Ra Arkestra<\/a> was established in 1956 in Chicago, by Herman Boole Blount (Sun Ra). It is a vibrant musical anomaly, which creates music outside of conventional styles, and is influenced by the futuristic unknown. The founder\u2019s influences drew from science fiction, cosmology and futuristic concepts, maybe due to the fact he came from Saturn<\/a>.<\/p>\n In 1993, Sun Ra passed away, but the band still performs today, inspiring listeners and contemporary performers all over the world. Marshall Allen, who keeps the Arkestra active, is now aged 92, and has been a part of it since 1957. He has said he tries to use this music to keep my body and mind cool, and it seems to be working \u2013 the Arkestra still practices three times a week, and has performances led by him. The band now consists of 15-20 people, including a few dancers, who bring the performances to live.<\/p>\n