Sun Ra - Night Music 1989

[@PaulTheSkeptic]

"What are some of your early inspirations?" "The planets, the creator, mythical gods, real ones, people flowers, everything in nature..." I love that answer. What a great answer.

[@QueenEyeCee]

I want to copy-n-paste this post so bad, because that was a great acknowledgement of his answer!!!

[@saturatedneowax]

you forgot a comma, “people flowers” lol

[@perrinpartee557]

Yes. He was (is) a beautiful being

[@PaulTheSkeptic]

@@saturatedneowax Maybe he was referring to flowery people or people who are also flowers... Or I just forgot the comma. Lol.

[@bradm.3775]

Yes...He said Mythical Gods,Real Ones..

[@Deadhippomeat]

P Funk might have arrived on the Mother Ship, but Sun Ra and the Arkestra designed, built and piloted it. Thanks for this.

[@hananishelomo1908]

No DOUBT!!!!!!!

[@callmemonkh9020]

..whoa..that hit me one, good!! On the one (dont U wish U could get in key?)

[@normantrombon]

Alan Scally ...Space is the place. Urnack. Angels & Demons.

[@suchapill3077]

Well said!!

[@rassolo4286]

HOTEP 4EVER

[@jamespavitt3814]

Mad as a box of frogs and yet, at the same time, saner than all of us. Respect.

[@Tenskwatawa4U]

Well, he's from Saturn. It goes with the territory....

[@gopeace4797]

It makes me happy to think that this was broadcast on American TV.

[@7karlheinz]

+Go Peace Unfortunately, Night Music was "buried" by most NBC affiliates to terrible time slots with virtually no promotion. What gets me is Television will have a great show like this and not give it a chance to catch on , then the programming executives will say (when the show gets crappy ratings): "see, people don't want to watch an intellectual music show with unknown musicians".

[@dorengarcia5097]

And man you stayed home on Saturday night to see this.

[@jamespuleo3269]

It was a Sunday night show

[@normantrombon]

Yeah, it was on real late on Sundays. I was asked to be on this program when I was with the great Manny Oquendo and Libre, with the late Jerry Gonzalez, but I was unavailable for the taping. The show was great, though, look for it.

[@frankpeter6851]

I was watching that night, and it was my introduction to the illustrious SUN RA.

[@kozad]

I saw Sun Ra about a dozen times, from the early 70's until the last show of his I got to see at the Gothic in Denver in 1990. And every show was a totally different experience. The only other cats I saw as often as Sun Ra were Pharoah Sanders and Rahsaan Roland Kirk. Pure joy. "What do you do when you know that you know, that you know that you're wrong?" Face the music! Listen to the cosmic song! (And the cosmic song is more than physical music.)

[@andrewstapley7581]

+Gregg Painter dude , i never write on here but, RIGHT ON

[@dorengarcia5097]

I saw him I think 5 or 6 times. Once he wore a small sculpture I made for him in his performance. I've never heard of anyone who saw him who didn't laugh and cry at the beauty at the same time. - I regret very much not seeing Rahsaan... I didn't understand him at the time.

[@metroscene]

I respect you

[@doctorcastille]

You have great taste!

[@Tenskwatawa4U]

Back around '77 I was in NYC visiting a friend. I was walking down (Positively) Fourth Street, and cosmic character was passing out flyers about a Sun Ra show that night, at a dance school in Brooklyn. I guess I had seen Sun Ra and the Arkestra 3 or so times prior to that. I talked my host into taking the subway over. I couldn't have been prepared for that experience. There were more Arkestra members on stage than there were audience members, so it was a very intimate concert experience. It was also the only time I ever saw Sun Ra take a turn at the drum kit... 🎷

[@ioxxd90]

That first number was like a religious ceremony....very spiritual and deep...and the second song. just awesome! What a genius he was.... RIP Sun Ra or rather ..fly on

[@frankpeter6851]

Never missed an episode of 'night music' usually went record shopping the next day.

[@brucegrossman3531]

Glad I wasn't the only one.

[@gregbelcamino7239]

Fantastic. I saw Sun Ra in the summer of 1988 at Sweet Basil's in NYC. Bigger band, plus dancers, crowded onto the small stage. When Sun Ra walked through the tables up to the bandstand, he put his hand on my friend's shoulder, and that put him in direct communication with the cosmos.

[@charlesdavis5542]

Holy Crap! Don't know how I missed out on RA at Basil!! Damn.. Loved his band from this period. Wish they could work out royalties for this series so a DVD box set could be produced. Sanborn was a fine host !

[@christopher_ecclestone]

There's a story about him putting his hands on the shoulders of an audience member, during the crowd walks they used to do, and saying to him; " Will you give up your death for me?"

[@Bati_]

One of the best sax solos I have ever listened. This is magnificently amazing.

[@marcuswatt9727]

Two of the best: Marshall and John.

[@sever427]

Mythical Gods and Real Ones

[@callmemonkh9020]

All along the watchtower, and under the soil as well...

[@jubakalamka8323]

I was 19 years old when this aired. I'd never heard of him before. Mind *blown*.

[@brucegrossman3531]

Same with me 19 next day went to the record store.

[@AMOKIAN]

Late night tv was awesome. I used to watch that show. Awesome.

[@edwardmbishop]

I watched this the night it aired, and this was one of those times when I cranked the volume really loud and got one of those 'natural highs' that you get when you're hearing something with 'magic'. I was a Ra fan from the first time I heard him (c. 1972) but this was amazing stuff that went beyond what even the great Miles was up to. Outer space? I love music like this for opening up the 'inner space' too. You don't see things like this on TV today, alas.

[@markschlesinger]

Imagine-there was once a network tv show that would allow SunRa on the airwaves! Now all we get is professional karaoke shows.

[@thestclairflash]

And would end the show with a free flowing jam session that always really grooved beyond walls and genres. Music. Still waiting for this show to return.

[@skyjuiceification]

I watched this the first airing. it was at midnight.

[@GreenManalishiUSA]

I remember seeing Sun Ra on Saturday Night Live, ca. 1980. The group was introduced as "Sun Ra and His Music From Another Planet Arkestra". My friends and I had never heard of Sun Ra before, and even though we were into some way out music at the time - in particular Captain Beefheart and His Magic Band - and even though we were used to seeing cutting-edge bands on SNL, nothing prepared us for Sun Ra. At first we thought it was a comedy sketch, then we realized no, this is serious art. So I guess that we can thank network TV for introducing us to the genius of Sun Ra.

[@markschlesinger]

Now just brainless pop tarts and angry, hateful rap thugs. (Excepting Austin City Limits).

[@mikestander2413]

Happy 100th trip around the Sun to Marshall Allen! We love you!

[@ericarmstrong6540]

Amazing.

[@joemcfatter1170]

I had the supreme pleasure of meeting and chatting with Sun Ra on the sidewalk back of Sweet Basil in the Village NYC, 1985. This resulted later in the Ark coming to Caravan of Dreams in Fort Worth TX, vis a vis my wife Shirley McFatter. Her fondest jazz memory was a late night conversation with Sun Ra by phone.

[@ergbudster3333]

Cool.

[@Joshua-xy9ys]

Joe Mcfatter What did he talk to you and your wife about?

[@joemcfatter1170]

My own brief conversation with Sun Ra was only about whether he would be interested in bringing the Ark to Fort Worth Texas. At that time there was a beautiful club there , the Caravan of Dreams, very eclectic and international. He was interested, and sent me along with, I think Danny, to a phone booth down the block, to call his agent in LA. Some time later he was booked at the Caravan. My wife was able to catch his show, I wasn't. She was a jazz artist herself, and no doubt just had some polite 'jazz speak' with Sun Ra. As for what she discussed with him, I do not recall if I ever knew.....it's been a long while. But thank you for asking. Peace.

[@Joshua-xy9ys]

wonderful - thanks for sharing

[@GetUpTheMountains]

Great story. Thank you.

[@BreezyandtheBlazers-vd3xw]

I think Sun Ra has gotta be one of the best composers ever

[@TedTrembinski]

Night Music was one of the best shows ever on TV. Sun Ra is one of the most far out beings to ever grace the stage. So thankful for this upload!!

[@JohnDoe-yr4wc]

Thing is, those brass instrumentalist are 'spazzing' in the right key. I Love Sun Ra and his Arkestra.

[@hermanblount6183]

Simply f....n brilliant!

[@plumjade4584]

will never forget this fabulous show. you can only imagine the jazz greats that checked in... and then came RA!

[@royjones3099]

Wow wee!!!!!

[@gilbertramos6039]

Sun Ra, the angel, the myth, the legend. Go Arkestra! Thanks for this.

[@MrJadePinwheel]

humble mr john gilmore, a top flight saxophonist coltrane studied from, here on national television playing supportive auxiliary percussion 9:07

[@WillsJazzLoft]

Both the visual experience and the sound take one on this extraordinary journey. Very simply put, Sun Ra is a trip 😎

[@satraramek9760]

Love it. Would love to have seen Sun Ra and Fela together

[@chris7brook]

So glad I got to see Ra three times ! 1988-92 & was able to go pay my respects at his funeral in Birmingham, Alabama in 1993.

[@cloudlessrainvisions3264]

boy..... I've watched this video dozens of times and it is still AWESOME.

[@shelbybevins-sullivan2669]

I really respect Sun-Ra. I think he has some profound things to say. His hat is really cool, though. LOL

[@Baba-rj7kf]

check out Sun Ra's skill at 8:15 - The mic falls and he's still playing, not missing a key or a beat!

[@robertgerard7055]

This is exceptionally great! Sun Ra provides us with an answer on the post modern value crisis; the 'End of all Big Stories', as F. Lyotard stated. Sun Ra forsaw the need today for religious 're-enchantment', and blends African tradition and European priesthood, and provides us with an alternative religious expercience of the 'holy'. Replace the songwords 'kosmos' and 'music' with 'God' and this is nothing less than a religious service with an alternative for Christianity.

[@Arts4Change]

+Robert Gerard Although you may fairly phrase it that way according to your own perspective, I don't think his intention was to "blend a European priesthood" as it is strictly based on the Ancient Kemetic Mystery Temple & it's respective priesthood. Which is nothing more than African tradition itself. At any rate, your overall offering I very much agree with.

[@mephisto256]

+Arts4Change AKMT is WAY more and DEEPER than just "African tradition" Egypt < Akkadia < Sumeria < Anunnaki < The whole fertile crescent = Our human history.

[@markkirschenmann3925]

Past, present and future. Thanks for posting

[@Darrylizer1]

I used to love this show! I think it was on late Sunday night and I'd stay up to watch it and of course was a mess for work every monday. Sun Ra I didn't see unfortunately, so thx for the upload!

[@jayellis2939]

I watched every episodes,very eclectic and satisfying. I remember Leonard Cohen, bootsy,sonny Rollins and other greats on this show. Waiting for the complete dvd set

[@zemtronix1]

This was beforey time...but when I discovered it, made sense.... balance.... purity....I wish my kids would like it...lol

[@BrandonKraemerbk]

Beautiful performance, unmistakable sound of Sun Ra. Terrific TV program as well.

[@robertschlesinger1342]

Amazing Sun Ra! Thankfully, we have video clips of him.

[@QueenEyeCee]

I thoroughly enjoyed this...Sun-Ra was definitely light-years advanced & truly enlightened (It was in his DNA)!!!

[@bytheway1031]

Happy Birthday Sun Ra🎂🌞 05-22-2022

[@ariessznforever]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUN RA 05-22-2024! 🎊🎉

[@roblox_lover2010]

Sun Ra!!!!! I miss you so! Only with you have I left the boredom of Earth! I remember every show in every cell of my being.

[@mario7frankielee]

Johnnie ROBERTS me too i saw him in locarno switzerland on a warm summernight we danced trough the small streets the whole night and the place is transvered since, blessed

[@anthonycostine5067]

Well this music and performance is truly wonderful.

[@angelsurfstyle]

8 billion humans on your planet and only 201 comments?

[@blackcosmos]

Sun Ra is absolutely fabulous!!

[@roblox_lover2010]

NOTHING can capture Sun Ra LIVE! Sound of the galaxy

[@patrickmoore3538]

I used to watch Night Music with David Sanborn, it was the best. All too brief.

[@hootinouts]

I saw them three times in Philadelphia back in the 1980's and let me tell you, they put on a show to remember. They can and do play all types of styles. I remember them playing Hoagy Carmichael's Startdust and it sounded as great as if Duke Ellington's band was playing it.

[@rustybeltway2373]

Yeah. Everybody remembers the "out" stuff, but they could play it "straight ahead" and "inside" too. Those cats swing!

[@postatility9703]

For those who think showmanship, great music, and an inspiring message don't go hand in hand in hand, well hear you are...

[@robertpearlman6089]

Sun Ra was on a Plane of Existence that exceeded Common Thought. He was beyond deep, there was no level for him. This Cat needed to be heard, but most couldn't dig where he was at.

[@ChicoFlavioRodrigues]

From Saturn to Earth: Ladies and gentlemen, Le Sony'r Ra aka Sun Ra (May 22, 1914or1915-May 29, 1993), the most important intergalact musician from the Space! It's time to be back, man!

[@0oidiedinatimemachineo024]

i like how sun ra gets up and kinda directs everyone and hes half dancing lol

[@dkapone]

I finally found MF Doom's father.

[@stevenpochejr]

lmao

[@saturatedneowax]

we work on the other side of time biaatch

[@dinobrya2]

Old enough to be his grandfather.

[@classiccappie]

Totally cosmic. Diggin' it.

[@deps420]

Wow thank you for sharing his music with the cosmos, I think this might be the inspiration I’ve needed! Thank you Sun Ra

[@FireypepperCP]

First time seeing Ra on video, and this is everything I would have wanted and more. 10/22/2022

[@ronfrankl]

Fantastic! The Arkestra at their best. I was lucky, I got to see Sun Ra perform a few times and they are among the most memorable musical experiences of my life. Thanks for sharing this.

[@marybolovin6787]

Sun Ra literally come back to life pls!

[@alynnangel]

Thank you over and over again every time, every time

[@apleasantsymmetry]

Brilliant and to think the old shows were more open minded than today's tv programs. This is really out there , even for a late night show...I love this post, thank you so much!

[@WowJustWow37]

Thank you Sonny...my greatest teacher

[@CFB4U]

Thank you oldTOtaper for this excellent Sun Ra video. Please add more Sun Ra. He lifts my soul in ways that are unique. I feel gratitude and hope, joy, when I hear this music. I lived in Philadelphia for a while as a child, not too far from where Sun Ra and the Arkestra musicians lived. His universalist approach, openly Afrocentric, is not taken lightly by me. Was living in West Philly when a whole block of row homes were destroyed in waves of bullets and bombs in one evening. The police came to destroy a back to nature group. They were oriented with a liberation theology. The community was called Move and they were killed off that night - and maybe 40 or more homes (their neighbours) were burnt to the ground. That happened in the same city where Sun Ra lived and kept the door to his heart unlocked. The Arkestra row home was just across town. The whole band lived in one row home, just like the living arrangements of Move. When I listen to Sun Ra music, I remember that Sun Ra affirmed humanity while he was being presented with racism and disrespect on a long term basis. Thelonious Monk, Coltrane, and a well spring of others, never let the pressures of conformity (e.g. wear a suit and sweater) derail their respect for Sun Ra, his band, and their music. If you wish to hear an homage to Sun Ra (and the Arkestra's), their message of peace through love, check out Sacramental Mouthwash. It is on KZbin. It was recorded in West Philly with a family's African drum collection, in a live session, as the musicians were spread out all over the house. Thank you oldTOtaper for lifting my heart with this video!

[@Tenskwatawa4U]

Yeah, it was satchel charges, as I recall. And Goode was the mayor. No charges were ever brought.

[@davidburcar7620]

I got to see Sun Ra and His Arkestra play at a small venue inside the Detroit Institute of Arts in the early 80's. As we sat, we heard the music coming in the door behind us. They played as they walked down one aisle to the stage. At the end of the show, they continued to play as they walked up the other aisle and out the door as the sound faded away. Words cannot convey

[@TheUnknowKING]

My LEFT ear feels lonely

[@edwardmbishop]

Yeah, the sound upload isn't right, since the show was originally presented in Dolby Surround audio. As I remember, it was pretty much just stereo with a touch of ambience in the rear. What we hear is a sum of that sound in one channel, but all the same, am grateful for this upload, as I don't know where my VHS of the broadcast is now--somewhere buried in my sister's house, no doubt.

[@normantrombon]

I lost my right airpod thingy, sounds fine to me!

[@ajandrewsmusic]

Your headphones were in backwards lol

[@suchapill3077]

*"I know these earphones are not fading on me yet. Lemme check later. Sun has my heart and part of mind.."* First Sun Ra I remember hearing was Astro Black and I was tripping face or felt like I was. lol

[@robertbrook439]

Thanks for this... was just checking my speaker cable ^^

[@crisrucker850]

I love this guy. He's so sincere.

[@3aion354]

ALL HAIL SUN RA. This was back when music was music.

[@opaljk4835]

3aion 3 music is music

[@lucaspedrollo8860]

ignorance

[@vincysoft]

Standing on the corner?

[@marioaranda711]

direct.... unique original genuine beautiful

[@juliancumpian2747]

i love how Sun Ra feels the music.

[@CommunityGuidelines]

Fantastic performance, great solos from Marshall Allen and John Gilmore, Sun Ra and the Arkestra took me to outer space for about twelve minutes!

[@guidejazzchristianlewis]

Thanks! Merci! We're lucky to have acces to this amazing archive! Nous sommes chanceux d'avoir accès à ces archives inspirantes (malgré le son mono uniquement à droite ) !

[@mario7frankielee]

ain`t that the greatest group ever !!!!!!!!!!

[@petermautner7915]

It is man. You stay cool now.AAAAAAWWWW>

[@mario7frankielee]

i stay cool and listen to the cosmos sound

[@chrissmith4878]

I recall Sun Ra touring often through the 80s, always appreciated and enjoyed his work.

[@malcolmwood5843]

Great pair of numbers, the second highlighting Ra's skill at arranging singing groups.

[@postatility9703]

How far music on television has fallen since those days.....

[@chemaneariasrodolfi58]

That answer is hard to forget: the planets, The Creator, mythical gods, real ones, flowers... Amazing

[@Damonm68]

Legend! And a very gentle soul.

[@ARawFueledLife]

This was on network television.

[@millerezra8]

What year was this? I wonder if it freaked anyone out haha

[@maxlimbo007]

Saw the Arkestra last Saturday in Vicenza Italy...Ra's music will live in eternity!

[@mohitoness]

fucking lucky!

[@maxlimbo007]

mohitoness Not only in 2014...I actually saw Sun Ra and his Arkestra in 1980 in New Mexico....! Fantastic,surreal sublime! Yes, I am a lucky man!

[@withnail-and-i]

maxlimbo007 on some James Bond shnitzel

[@tonydigregorio382]

One year, the Halloween parade in Greenwich Village - lots of people in crazy costumes walking around. I hear a sound in the distance and then up comes Sun Ra with part of his band marching along in the parade playing their horns and Sun Ra in front leading them. Pretty cool!

[@toomuchsumo]

absolutely fantastic performance, i'd never seen before, thanks for uploading this! 💫

[@markviman]

A civilization doesn't get too many Sun Ra's too often

[@Delfidash]

Thanks for Sun Ra love it....

[@icarus313]

It's so nice to think that there was a time when people who were obsessed with Earth being visited by aliens were also the sort of people who'd be into cool experimental music like this. Like maybe the impulse to be visited by aliens could be directed towards broadening human thinking and trying to see ourselves as one people who could travel to space together and explore with a shared purpose. An ambitious vision of a future with more kindness and shared joy in our lives. The stuff that a lot of mid-20th century Sci-Fi talked about too. But nowadays the alien-crazed folks you see online seem more interested in following internet cranks who sell health scams and dumb bullshit like that. Unfortunate. But at least this music is online and discoverable by people like me who weren't around during the time of this performance. Great video. Thanks for uploading!

[@josephabonanno2288]

Je ne connaissais pas ! Tres bon musicalement ! Particulier sur la representation !!!!

[@mosttiptoptopcat]

wow i knew i missed Night Music, but to be reminded of it like this, well, it's bittersweet!

[@Dj-qi2we]

Sun Ra is real Artist,a humanist,a futurist,a musical genius,and so so Underrated art nothing been like it before and now. He’s forever our Shining Sun ☀️ Ra

[@pommelhorsepommelhorse8731]

proof that there is always hope

[@sirbarnabyst.johntoffingto9017]

Indeed. But at times , when the cheap trash likes of Cardi B etc are tainting our collective consciousness 's , it's hard not to feel an inclination to give in to despair.

[@pommelhorsepommelhorse8731]

@@sirbarnabyst.johntoffingto9017 don't give in Sir

[@normantrombon]

Oh, snap! That hat at 14:00! I have one exactly like it, from the planet Finland, had it since 1986!

[@jakemoeller7850]

I had the good fortune to see Sun Ra & Arkestra at Kuumbwa Jazz Center in Santa Cruz...twice. The 80s were happening!

[@demjams]

Marshall Allen. I saw him a couple of years ago and he's still playing with that fire!!

[@coolpoolshark]

You know Sun Ra died in 1993, right?

[@demjams]

@@coolpoolshark I was referring to Marshall Allen, the alto saxophonist, who is still alive, and was still playing last year, leading the Arkestra at age 94.

[@marksanders5637]

Two years on from your post and Maestro Allen is STILL leading the Arkestra all over the world! 97 years old and still spreading the word. Beautiful stuff. Space IS the place. Next stop… Mars😎

[@plumjade4584]

June!!! this is magic

[@realPablo1314]

wow this band is amazing sun ra is cool. jus found him today

[@anniedarkhorse6791]

I really like this. It's cool and weird and deep and sensible.

[@Sound8VisionVibe]

Sun Ra has opened up the gates! PRAISE BE!

[@davel.9467]

Sun Ra - a totally beautiful guy.

[@maatimiddleton5695]

I love going to visit a group of mostly India, on Sundays for Discourse, meditation that can be learned there. Everyone is welcome and we get Plant Base Lunch, that's truly nice to me. It's in Queen, New York. Much Love

[@Ahzrukhal17]

The man was a true individual and creative genius. The world is worse off without him.

[@PILLOWHEX]

This song really breathes.

[@sirbarnabyst.johntoffingto9017]

Truly cosmic! COZMIK!

[@techschwar]

Could someone kindly make a 10 hour loop of this?

[@spencermakote7436]

Wow. Wasn’t aware that Sun Ra performed on a broadcast music show. This is wonderful.

[@dbrown2746]

They also performed on SNL at host Buck Henry's request. . of course the network cut them off

[@Tenskwatawa4U]

@@dbrown2746 I recall that! But the show overran its time slot. It had nothing to do with Sun Ra, per se. But I thought it was the late SNL music producer, Hal Wilner, who was responsible!

[@jacekr2655]

Sun Ra - the master!

[@callmemonkh9020]

for years I've told people about this performance, abd instead of 'Retrospective,' I called the tune 'Repetition.' No wonder nobody knew what I was talking about!!

[@callmemonkh9020]

..I never realised how beautiful this is. Thanks KZbin.

[@bobgreen623]

Visionary genius.