Sun Ra - Sleeping Beauty [Strut]

Format: LP in printed sleeve.
CAT: STRUT474LP

Strut proudly presents a new edition of one of Sun Ra’s most celebrated albums, Sleeping Beauty, reissued for the first time with its original artwork. Originally released in 1979 on his independent Saturn label, Sleeping Beauty captures Sun Ra and his Arkestra at their most soulful and serene.

A masterclass in cosmic jazz, the album combines luxuriant grooves, celestial soul and meditative funk with Ra’s unique spiritual vision: a sound both earthly and otherworldly.

The record emerged during an extraordinarily fertile period for Sun Ra in the late 70s in New York. Between 1978 and 1982, Ra “occupied” Variety Recording Studios on West 42nd Street, often holding marathon sessions after late-night Arkestra gigs around the city – from The Village Vanguard to Sweet Basil and even a wedding in Central Park. These weren't mere recordings; they were rituals.

Ra and his core players – John Gilmore, Marshall Allen, June Tyson, Michael Ray, amongst others – would begin sessions mid-morning and often continue past midnight, much to the chagrin of the studio owner. From this creative whirlwind sprang some of his most enduring works, including A Fireside Chat With Lucifer, On Jupiter and Sleeping Beauty.

Across its three tracks, Sleeping Beauty showcases the softer side of the Arkestra. From the dreamy sway of “Springtime Again” to the deep funk thrust of “Door Of The Cosmos” and the meditative drift of the title track, this is music that floats, beckons and unfolds.

It is a record of hypnotic beauty and quiet power: cosmic jazz for dreamers and seekers alike.

This new edition features a selected version of the original hand-drawn artwork, with the Sun Ra logo embossed and presented in a heavy-duty card sleeve. Liner notes come from Arkestra member Knoel Scott and Sun Ra specialist Paul Griffiths. Remastered by Technology Works.

“Music is a language. It’s not notes – it’s a language of the spirit. That’s why it’s so important.” – Sun Ra