Sun Ra Singles: The Definitive 45s Collection Vol. 1: 1952-1961 3LP (Vinyl)

Rare 1952-1961 Sun Ra Singles on Triple LP!

Strut & Art Yart present a new definitive collection of singles released by jazz maverick Sun Ra during his Earth years, spanning 1952 to 1991. Released prolifically during the 1950s and more sporadically thereafter, primarily on the Saturn label, the 45s offer one-off meteorites from Ra’s prolific cosmic journey, tracing the development of his forward-thinking “Space-Bop” and his unique take on jazz and blues traditions which sounded unlike anything else from the period. As with his LPs, most 45s were only pressed in small runs and were sold at gigs and have since become extremely rare and sought after. Some have only been discovered in physical form in recent years; some were planned and pencilled but allegedly never made it to vinyl and some appeared as one-off magazine singles and posthumous releases.

Singles Volume 1 covers the years of 1952-1961 and includes fully re-mastered tracks, rare photos, poster artwork, extensive sleeve notes by Francis Gooding, an interview with Saturn Records founder Alton Abraham by John Corbett and detailed track by track and session notes by Paul Griffiths.

"Beautifully packaged collection bringing together all of [Sun Ra’s] super rare 7-inch sounds. Sun Ra authority Irwin Chusid music be applauded for this huge cosmic undertaking.”
– Mojo (five stars)

“A compilation can only be as good as the artist(s) within it. This is incredible… as good a collection as is possible from which to explore the development of Sun Ra’s seemingly endless universe of music. Singles is gloriously extensive, bizarre, diverse and cerebral.”
– Drowned In Sound

“Blasting into the cosmos and beyond as the jazz titan and his Arkestra expand upon, and create, Ra’s brand of Afro-futurusim. Space Loneliness this is not. All aboard.”
– Aquarium Drunkard (Best of 2016)

Features:
• 3LP
• Gatefold Jacket
• Fully Remastered
• Rare Photos
• Poster Artwork
• Liner Notes by Francis Gooding
• Track by track session details and notes by Paul Griffiths
• Interview With Saturn Records Founder Alton Abraham by John Corbett

Selections:
LP 1
Side A:
1. Sun Ra - I Am An Instrument
2. Sun Ra - I Am Strange
3. The Nu Sounds With Sun Ra - Chicago USA
4. The Nu Sounds With Sun Ra - Spaceship Lullaby
5. The Cosmic Rays With Sun Ra And Arkestra - Daddy’s Gonna Tell You No Lie
6. The Nu Sounds With Sun Ra And Arkestra - A Foggy Day
7. Billie Hawkins With Sun-Ra And His Orchestra - I'm Coming Home
8. Billie Hawkins With Sun-Ra And His Orchestra - Last Call For Love
Side B:
1. Sun-Ra And His Arkestra - Soft Talk
2. Sun-Ra And His Arkestra - Super Blonde
3. Le Sun-Ra And His Arkestra - Saturn
4. Le Sun-Ra And His Arkestra - Call For All Demons
5. Le Sun-Ra And His Arkestra - Demon's Lullaby
6. Le Sun-Ra And His Arkestra - Super-Sonic Jazz

LP 2
Side C:
1. Le Sun-Ra & His Arkestra - Medicine For A Nightmare
2. Le Sun-Ra & His Arkestra - Urnack
3. The Qualities - It’s Christmas Time
4. The Qualities - Happy New Year To You!
5. Yochanan (The Space Age Vocalist) - M Uck M Uck (Matt Matt)
6. Yochanan (The Space Age Vocalist) - Hot Skillet Moma
Side D:
1. The Cosmic Rays With Le Sun Ra And Arkestra - Bye Bye
2. The Cosmic Rays With Le Sun Ra And Arkestra - Somebody's In Love
3. The Cosmic Rays With Sun Ra And Arkestra - Dreaming
4. The Cosmic Rays With Sun Ra And Arkestra - Daddy’s Gonna Tell You No Lie
5. Sun Ra And His Astro Infinity Arkestra - October

LP 3
Side E:
1. Sun Ra And His Astro Infinity Arkestra - Adventure In Space
2. Le Sun Ra And His Arkestra - Hours After
3. Le Sun Ra And His Arkestra - Great Balls Of Fire
4. Hattie Randolph With Sun Ra And His Astro Infinity Arkestra - Round Midnight
5. Hattie Randolph With Sun Ra And His Astro Infinity Arkestra - Back In Your Own Back Yard
Side F:
1. Le Sun Ra And His Arkestra - Saturn
2. Le Sun Ra And His Arkestra - Velvet
3. Yochanan "A Space Age Vocalist" With Sun Ra And His Arkestra - The Sun One
4. Yochanan "A Space Age Vocalist" With Sun Ra And His Arkestra - Message To Earthman
5. Yochanan With Sun Ra And His Arkestra - The Sun Man Speaks