Today, you are a member of… Rocket Number 9
To say Sun Ra was far out is like saying Jupiter is big – it’s just not enough a phrase to express the intergalactic space of a mind that came up with ensembles called “The Jet Omniverse Arkestra” and albums bearing titles like Cosmic Tones for Mental Therapy. And yet, the fiction born Sonny Blount could also boast a history of solid performances with the pantheon of Jazz greats, holding his piano own whether the music was ragtime, bebop, swing, free jazz or fusion. So note members, this week starts out on what would be Le Sony’r Ra’s 95th birthday. Best go as far out to lunch as possible, just don’t forget the swing standards.