Sun Ra and His Arkestra: Jazz in Silhouette (Cosmic Myth)

Do you need more Sun Ra in your life? I’d say yes despite the daunting discography and seemingly endless stream of reissues. In particular this lovely authorized and expanded reissue/remastering will have you answering an enthusiastic ‘Yes!’ too.

Jazz In Silhouette Expanded Edition covers Ra & the Arkestra’s transitional period in the late 1950s in Chicago from more recognizable jazz forms to the interstellar travels of the 1960s and beyond.

Sun Ra & the Arkestra are in peak bebop/hard bop form here; great tunes and lush arrangements that stick with you. Hints of the more cosmic travels to come in the 1960s appear in the form of album closer ‘Ancient Aiethopia,’ while side closer ‘Blues at Midnight’ points toward the larger ensemble live improvisations.

In addition to being remastered, four of the tracks from Jazz in Silhouette are presented here in stereo for the first time. There is an additional incomplete track (‘Horoscope’) presented in stereo, which was previously recorded in the same era.

Also included here are all tracks from Sound Sun Pleasure (minus ‘Enlightenment’ which appeared on both SSP and JIS) along with a side of previously unreleased and single versions. All of these tracks were recorded around the same period and in the case of SSP not released until 1970.

It’s great to have all these tracks presented in one package and with such attention to detail. The original Saturn track order for Jazz in Silhouette has been restored as well as the full size cover art.

Exemplary & essential reissue!

Team 2023!!!

— Rich Mudge (Dec 2023)