A cosmic fusion of deep funk, interstellar jazz, and avant-garde soundscapes, On Jupiter stands as one of Sun Ra’s most iconic releases. Recorded in 1979 during a prolific period at Variety Arts Studios in New York, this album captures the Arkestra at the height of their creative powers, blending futuristic improvisation with infectious rhythms and otherworldly textures. Sun Ra’s Variety Arts Studios sessions (1978-1982) were legendary—he recorded there two to three times a week, often after a late-night concert, gathering his musicians on West 46th Street at 10 a.m. for marathon sessions that stretched into the early morning. These recordings featured a core group of John Gilmore, Marshall Allen, Danny Thompson, Michael Ray, Tyrone Hill, Craig Harris, Luqman Ali, and Samarai Celestial, alongside rotating contributors, including guitarists Skeeter McFarland and Taylor Richardson, as well as bassist Victor Sproles and a young Knoël Scott on saxophone and vocals.
Originally released on Sun Ra’s Saturn label, On Jupiter is a masterclass in cosmic jazz-funk. The album features the irresistibly funky “UFO”—recorded before the Sleeping Beauty sessions—alongside the hypnotic, groove-laden title track and the expansive "Seductive Fantasy", a mesmerizing journey through space and sound. By the late 1970s, Sun Ra was embracing an even broader musical spectrum, incorporating soul, funk, and electronic fusion into the Arkestra’s evolving repertoire. As disco, punk, and hip-hop reshaped the cultural landscape, his “sub-underground” approach connected with a new wave of listeners. On Jupiter exemplifies this era—where deep basslines, swirling horns, spaced-out synthesizers, and Afro-futuristic chants collide to create a truly singular sound.
Now remastered by Technology Works, Strut proudly reissues On Jupiter on vinyl LP, featuring a replica of its original hand-assembled sleeve (selected from the many unique 1979 editions) and newly commissioned liner notes from Arkestra member Knoël Scott and Sun Ra expert Paul Griffiths.
