Watch Sun Ra - A Joyful Noise

Sun Ra - A Joyful Noise is a 1980 documentary film about the life and music of Sun Ra, a jazz musician, bandleader, and philosopher. The film showcases Sun Ra and his band The Arkestra as they perform live on stage and in recording studios, and it also includes interviews with Sun Ra and some of his band members. The film opens with a narration that sets the stage for the story of Sun Ra. Born Herman Poole Blount in Birmingham, Alabama in 1914, Sun Ra was a self-taught musician who was influenced by the jazz traditions of his time. However, he soon developed his own unique approach to jazz, integrating elements of science fiction, mysticism, and Afrofuturism into his music.

The film then takes us to a concert by Sun Ra and The Arkestra in New York City, where we see the band performing one of their signature pieces, "Space is the Place". This performance sets the tone for the film, which is full of Sun Ra's complex and otherworldly music.

The film then cuts to an interview with Sun Ra, who speaks about his philosophy of music and his vision for the future of humanity. Sun Ra's ideas are rooted in a belief in the existence of extraterrestrial life, and he sees himself as a messenger who has come to Earth to share this knowledge with humanity through his music.

Throughout the film, we see Sun Ra and his band performing in a variety of different contexts, from small clubs to large concert halls. The film also features interviews with some of the band members, who speak about their experiences playing with Sun Ra and the unique musical and philosophical vision he brought to their work.

As the film progresses, we learn more about Sun Ra's life story, including his early years in Alabama, his move to Chicago in the 1940s, and his eventual relocation to New York City in the 1960s. Through these interviews and archival footage, we get a sense of the challenges and struggles Sun Ra faced as he sought to make his unique form of jazz become accepted by a wider audience.

Despite these challenges, Sun Ra remained committed to his vision, and his music continues to inspire listeners today. The film ends with a beautiful rendition of "We Travel the Spaceways", a song that speaks to Sun Ra's enduring belief in the possibility of travel beyond our planet.

Sun Ra - A Joyful Noise is a deeply engaging and thought-provoking film that offers a glimpse into the life and musical genius of one of the most unique artists of the 20th century. Through its expertly crafted mix of live performances, interviews, and archival footage, the film provides a comprehensive portrait of Sun Ra and his legacy that is sure to resonate with music lovers and anyone interested in the intersection of art, philosophy, and science fiction. Whether you're a fan of jazz or simply appreciate the power of creative expression, Sun Ra - A Joyful Noise is a must-see film that will leave you feeling enlightened, inspired, and, of course, joyful.

Sun Ra - A Joyful Noise is a 2016 musical with a runtime of 59 minutes.