Documentary.. "All musical selections composed and arranged by Sun Ra except 'Round midnight' composed by Thelonious Monk, Cootie Williams and Bernie Hanighen." "A Mug-Shots production." Sun Ra, keyboards, vocals ; with his Arkestra (on container, Intergalactic Omniverse Arkestra) (John Gilmore, tenor saxophone ; Marshall Allen, alto saxophone ; Danny Thompson, baritone saxophone ; James Jacson, bassoon, percussion ; Elo Omoe, bass clarinet ; June Tyson, vocals ; with other assisting musicians). Originally produced as a motion picture in 1980; released as VHS in 1986 by Rhapsody Films. Special features include: About the production ; Musicians ; Discography (1948-1998, listed by label).
Contents:
I have many names -- My story is endless -- Mythocracy -- 5626 Morton Street -- A joyful noise -- A spiritual being.
Summary:
Sun Ra, bandleader, keyboardist, composer and self-made myth performs and philosophizes in this documentary. Onstage he performers with his Arkestra, a big band with singers and dancers, performing in elaborate costumes, adding ritual and theatrical glitter to a far-reaching repertory. Offstage, he recites his pronouncements about vibrations, history and "mythocracy." Even in close-up he remains an enigma, inspiring to his band and never less than entertaining to the outside world.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.