A SONG FOR THE SUN by THE SUN RA ARKESTRA

In 1988 Teddy Thomas, a long time member of the Arkestra, brought Sun Ra and Marshall Allen to a Brazilian concert and introduced us. At this time, Sun Ra invited some of us to play with the Arkestra. He Later commented that 'They fit in'. They were just with us for one night, but they got so into it they were asking for space costumes to wear too. They were wearing amazing things. So I told the band, 'See, I've corrupted the Brazilians.' Based on some previous experience I had in Brasil with movie production, I was able to apply some aquired skills to the numerous tasks needing attention in Sun Ra's organization. For me this was a very important and major organization in the music field and Sun Ra was a master musician. Very soon Sun Ra involved me in some of the different aspects of recording; something he had been doing for many years - independently recording over 200 albums. For some time I was suprised that he shared so much with me. With what I was able to learn I'm now trying to give back. Well, sun ra used to say 'I set it up this way.' Elson .