Sun Ra Arkestra. Points on a Space Age
Description
This film explores the 2006 - 2007 activity of the remaining members of the Sun Ra Arkestra - an experimental big band formed in the mid 1950s around the teachings of musician, philosopher, and spiritualist Sun Ra. Believing that he was sent to this planet to prepare us for a future centered around space travel and the human capacity to evolve with the ever-changing demands of a highly technological world, Sun Ra attracted bandmates who also became his disciples, companions, and sometimes even housemates. The band would typically rehearse for eight hours, break only for teachings, and then go out and play gigs - a practice that continued for about 30 years until Sun Ra "left the planet" in 1993. Points on a Space Age examines the work of the Arkestra in the physical absence of Sun Ra - how under the direction of longtime member Marshall Allen the band maintains an active touring schedule and continues to recruit younger members into the Sun Ra lifestyle. Using an approach as experimental as that of the Arkestra's sound, this film offers insight into one of the most influential bands of the 20th century.
Runtime
60 min
Subjects
Contributor
Genre
Date of Publication
[2013], c2009
Database
Films on Demand
Direct Link
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