Sun Ra - Sun Ra: A Joyful Noise

Sun Ra: A Joyful Noise is a remarkable document from 1980 that takes us behind the curtain into the engrossing world of jazz maverick and Afrofuturist pioneer, Sun Ra. This documentary film seamlessly infuses the avant-garde, genre-blending artistic style of Sun Ra with the conventional, structured format of documentaries. The film, directed and produced by Robert Mugge, is set against various urban landscapes across Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C., offering a unique blend of interviews, rehearsals, and performances by the charismatic Sun Ra and his grandly named group, “Sun Ra Arkestra.”

Sun Ra employs idiosyncratically cosmic philosophies to take us on an interstellar journey through music, showcasing his visionary talent that reaches far beyond the normative realm of jazz. The audience is invited to witness intimate interviews as the film reveals Sun Ra's deeply held belief that he hails from Saturn, sent to Earth to enlighten humanity with the power of music. His free-flowing discourses delve into the various themes of the universe, spirituality, Ancient Egypt, and the epic master narrative of African uplift that is central to his belief.

Sun Ra’s vision is represented not only musically, but also through the visual performances in the film, where the band's Egypt-inspired, glittering costumes dazzle, creating a delectable feast for the eyes. Their choreography adds another slice of entertainment to the film. The film brilliantly juxtaposes the realism of the urban cityscapes with the cosmic mysticism of Sun Ra's performances, creating a compelling contrast that mirrors the theme of the brought-to-earth galactic mission Sun Ra believed he was on.

Throughout the film, you get to savor the unorthodox, multidimensional music of Sun Ra's Arkestra. Be it in the form of lively street concert scenes or closed rehearsals, the music plays a fundamental role in this narrative. Their performances showcase a cornucopia of sounds, from glorious ragtime beats to heady avant-garde jazz, from deep rumbling bass to sizzling solos, every note a testament to the Arkestra's inimitable talent.

Decorating the visual narrative with ethereal overlays and montages, the director encapsulates the otherworldliness inherent in Sun Ra's unique blend of music and philosophy, effectively immerses the viewers in the mysticism of the journey. The film not only informs but also encourages participation into a thought-provoking discourse surrounding Sun Ra's diverse interpretations of race, music, and the cosmos, challenging the viewers' perspectives and encouraging them to transcend the ordinary realities.

It's not strictly a traditional biographical documentary focused on Sun Ra. Instead, Sun Ra: A Joyful Noise can be seen as an audacious art form in itself that weaves a rich tapestry of biographical elements, performance showcase, and extensive philosophical and cosmic digressions. Mugge faithfully represents the strikingly distinctive elements of Sun Ra and his band, injecting life into the Sun Ra philosophy rather than adhering to rigid, conventional documentary techniques.

Reflecting on Sun Ra’s profound belief in music as a transformative healing tool, this film paints a vivid portrait of a groundbreaking artist, philosopher, and musician. Sun Ra: a Joyful Noise is a definitive must-see for any serious jazz devotee or anyone appreciative of avant-garde art forms, offering an insight into the personality, explosive performances, and extraordinary vision of the Arkestra's leader.

Sun Ra’s extraordinary cosmic vision gives this film a touch of surrealism, whereas the poignant urban scenes imbue a sense of reality. The viewer emerges with a sense of having journeyed through a well-curated retrospective of Sun Ra's musical world that transcends boundaries and probes into new emotional and philosophical depths. Overall, this film is an intriguing chronicle of one of the most innovative and powerful voices in jazz and serves as an inspiring reminder of his enduring legacy in the world of music. Prepare yourself to embark on an unforgettable journey pulsating with rhythm, philosophy, and sheer charisma.