ROCKET NUMBER NINE by SUN RA & HIS ARKESTRA

Among Sun Ra's most famous and jet-propelled anthems, "Rocket Number Nine" is heard here in one of the earliest renditions from a marathon June 1960 sessionPaired with originally unknown recordings, including the driving, bossa nova-infused "Ankhnation" from 1959 and "Project Black Mass" from 1962. More energized and driving in contrast with the rather laconic subsequent versions appearing elsewhere, "Ankhnation" features a feast of traded solos from assorted Arkestral all-stars such as John Gilmore, Pat Patrick, and Hobart Dotson. "Project Black Mass" is straight from the Vaults of Mystery: Voice of the Cosmos in spirit-science precision. Romping, rumbling low tones, glittering, twinkling stars, wanderful wondering. Architecture of moments, milestones of Blackness. Extension out. On green vinyl