Sun Ra Arkestra

The Sun Ra Arkestra is the big band that Sun Ra formed in the 1950s and led until his death in 1993, recording under names such as the Myth Science Arkestra and the Omniverse Arkestra. Its music mixes swing-era big band writing with free improvisation, electronics, chant and theatre. Since 1968 the band has been based in a house in Germantown, Philadelphia, and it has kept touring and recording after its founder's death. Saxophonist John Gilmore took over in 1993 and led the band until he died in 1995.