Kingdom of Discipline

Sun Ra, the legendary avant-garde jazz pioneer, continues to captivate audiences even decades after his recordings were made. "Kingdom of Discipline," set to release on October 25, 2024, via Enterplanetary Koncepts, is a rare collection of lo-fi rehearsal recordings from 1986, previously unreleased and now unveiled for the first time. Directed by NEA Jazz Master Marshall Allen, who celebrated his 100th birthday in 2024, the Arkestra keeps Sun Ra's cosmic legacy alive with this extraordinary album.

Spanning just over 41 minutes, "Kingdom of Discipline" is a vibrant blend of free jazz, hard bop, and avant-garde elements that showcase Sun Ra's unique genius. The album features tracks like "Tone Poem #9," "Love in Outer Space," and "Sophisticated Lady - Mannheim, 1982," each offering a glimpse into the innovative and boundary-pushing world of Sun Ra. The album also includes a rare version of "Pleiades - Europe in Spring Version," recorded live in Paris at the "Gibus" in the 1960s, adding a historical dimension to this collection.

This album is not just a musical experience but a journey through the cosmos of Sun Ra's imagination. The Arkestra's disciplined yet free-spirited performances highlight the band's mastery and the enduring influence of Sun Ra's visionary approach to jazz. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to Sun Ra's work, "Kingdom of Discipline" offers a unique and essential listening experience that celebrates the rich tapestry of his musical legacy.

Sun Ra, born Herman Poole Blount, was a visionary jazz composer, bandleader, and pianist renowned for his experimental music and cosmic philosophy. Claiming to be an alien from Saturn, Sun Ra's performances were as much about the spectacle as the music, incorporating exotic instruments, ancient Egyptian costumes, and a futuristic aesthetic. He led The Arkestra, a dynamic ensemble known for its free jazz explorations and theatrical stage presence. Sun Ra's prolific career spanned over three decades, during which he composed nearly 500 pieces and released over 125 albums. His influence extends beyond music, touching on Afrofuturism and electronic music, making him a pioneer in multiple genres. Sun Ra's legacy continues to inspire, with ongoing releases of archival material and celebrations of his unique contributions to music and culture.