“Enlightenment,” co-written by Sun Ra and trumpeter Hobart Dotson, first appeared on Jazz in Silhouette (1959, Saturn). It was recorded during a historic 1959 session, which essentially marked the end of Sun Ra’s straight-ahead period in favor of a more idiosyncratic and adventurous musical exploration. With its ever-changing rhythm signatures and eclectic range of influences, “Enlightenment” encapsulates the dynamic energy of his interstellar Arkestra ensemble. It also quickly became one of the band’s staples.
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