Sun Ra: Saturn's celestial guardian

Did he ever collaborate with Miles Davis?

Katje wrote: SaltyJon wrote: Katje wrote: Sticking with the more far out experiences I'd go for: - The Heliocentric Worlds of Sun Ra (both volumes, especially the first) You know there's a third volume released now?  I haven't heard any of the volumes yet (though I want to), there's a box set edition which comes with all three I've had my eye on for a little while. That I did not, I've a tendency to display a certain amount of negligence when it comes to keeping up to date. Any links for that box?

This should do the trick: http://www.amazon.com/Heliocentric-Worlds-Sun-Ra/dp/B003X2O6SY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1303358620&sr=8-1

Pekka wrote: Hit me with some newbie recommendations, I've never heard any of his stuff but I'm interested.

Considering your avvy I'd hit up Lanquidity ('78), fusion-ish with some killer funky breaks. Checkout the track 'where pathways meet' for a primer (I assume it will be on youtube - which I cannot access).

I only have Space is the Place.  Weird as hell, but I love it.

Katje wrote: Sticking with the more far out experiences I'd go for: - The Heliocentric Worlds of Sun Ra (both volumes, especially the first)

You know there's a third volume released now?  I haven't heard any of the volumes yet (though I want to), there's a box set edition which comes with all three I've had my eye on for a little while.

Sticking with the more far out experiences I'd go for:

- The Heliocentric Worlds of Sun Ra (both volumes, especially the first)
- Other Planets of There (this gets little over looked in comparison some of the others from this period)
- Cosmic Tones For Mental Therapy
- Strange Strings (pretty angular, chaotic, might turn some people off)
Then maybe a live album
- Nuits de la Fondation Maeght (again both volumes. One works as a perfect extension of the other) 

Either side of this bulk of albums (predominantly 60's driven) you'll find a variances in styles. Earlier stuff is more bop influenced (tho no less worthy) and the latter day, from 'bout 70's onwards (plus a couple of live) tend to have a more funky, fusion with a slight avant-garde feel (to make sweeping generalizations).

I've loved everything I've heard from him so far - I own The Magic City and Interstellar Low Ways, both on vinyl actually, and I've heard Atlantis on Grooveshark.  Definitely an artist I need to explore further.