Sun Ra and His Solar Arkestra
On Jupiter
Art Yard (UK) 2005
ART YARD LP 004 (LP)
sleeve : EX-(some light wear on edge and corner.)
media : EX-/EX-(some slightly noise.)
This album, released in 1979 by the alien from Saturn himself, Sun Ra, came out on his own independent label, El Saturn. The original pressing is especially prized among collectors—not only for its cosmic contents, but also because it exists in a staggering seven different cover artworks, each one rare and highly sought-after, just like many other El Saturn releases.
This version, however, is a reissue from UK-based label Art Yard, released in 2005. Featuring a 20-piece cosmic orchestra including key members like John Gilmore and Marshall Allen, the album offers a space-age take on cosmic jazz, blending elements of early jazz, soul jazz, and jazz-funk into a sound that feels like a Martian landing. The highlight is A2, “UFO”—a long-form jazz-funk tune that’s fully functional on the dancefloor. Highly recommended.
A1: On Jupiter
A2: UFO
B1: Seductive Fantasy