Sun Ra & His Arkestra
Jazz In Silhouette - Expanded Edition (2cd)
'Jazz In Silhouette' is the quintessential record of Sun Ra's late 1950s Chicago period. Recorded and issued in 1959, it marks a coda for the bandleader's bebop/hard-bop stage, as his interstellar traveler persona began to transform the band (and the music). It also charts the future, showcasing the brilliant tenor sax stylings of John Gilmore, and introduces the iconic playing of Arkestra mainstays Marshall Allen, Pat Patrick, and Ronnie Boykins. Many of the early works on these recordings would remain staples in Arkestra set lists for the rest of Sun Ra's life. This expanded edition includes the complete, contemporaneous 'Sound Sun Pleasure,' rare stereo mixes, and bonus tracks. This edition's exterior features the original space nymph cover art, which only appeared in cropped and washed-out reproductions on an early '60s version. Liner notes by Irwin Chusid, and an expanded essay by John Corbett.