Sun Ra - On Jupiter

On Jupiter — originally released on Sun Ra’s own Saturn label in 1979 — stands as a shimmering testament to the Arkestra’s fearless boundary-pushing at the close of the 1970s. Cut during marathon sessions at Variety Arts Studios on West 46th Street (where Ra convened his musicians two to three times a week, often at 10 a.m. after late-night performances), the album captures the core ensemble of John Gilmore, Marshall Allen, Danny Thompson, Michael Ray, Tyrone Hill, Craig Harris, Luqman Ali and Samarai Celestial, with rotating guests including Skeeter McFarland, Taylor Richardson, Victor Sproles—and a young Knoël Scott on saxophone and vocals. From the funk-fueled propulsion of “UFO” to the hypnotic grooves of the title track and the expansive, interstellar journey of “Seductive Fantasy,” On Jupiter is a masterclass in cosmic jazz-funk, blending deep basslines, swirling horns and space-age synths into an irresistible sonic tapestry.

Strut’s 2025 vinyl reissue—remastered by Technology Works—brings this “sub-underground” classic back into orbit in stunning fidelity. Housed in a faithful replica of one of the original hand-assembled 1979 sleeves, the LP also features brand-new liner notes by Arkestra alum Knoël Scott and Sun Ra scholar Paul Griffiths, offering fresh insights into the making of one of the most adventurous chapters in the Arkestra’s ever-evolving saga.