Holiday For Soul Dance by Sun Ra & His Astro Infinity Arkestra, is an essential release which offers both longtime fans and new listeners a rare glimpse into the soulful, earthbound side of Sun Ra’s interstellar vision. Originally recorded in Chicago in 1960 and first released on Sun Ra’s own Saturn label, Holiday For Soul Dance stands out in the Arkestra’s vast discography as a unique tribute to jazz standards and classic songwriting. Unlike most Sun Ra albums, this collection features no original compositions by Sun Ra himself. Instead, the bandleader and his renowned Arkestra reinterpret beloved standards, infusing them with the group’s signature cosmic energy and inventive arrangements.
The album’s eight tracks include timeless renditions of “But Not For Me,” “Body and Soul,” “I Loves You Porgy,” and “Early Autumn,” alongside the Arkestra’s own “Dorothy’s Dance,” composed by cornet player Phil Cohran. Sun Ra’s piano, bells, and gongs anchor a stellar ensemble featuring John Gilmore, Marshall Allen, Phil Cohran, Ronnie Boykins, and more, with vocals by Ricky Murray on “Early Autumn”.
This release is available for pre-order now. Join us in celebrating the enduring genius of Sun Ra—a visionary whose music continues to inspire, uplift, and transport listeners beyond the stars.