Monorails and Satellites

Monorails and Satellites, volumes 1+2 are two albums of solo piano compositions by the American Jazz musician Sun Ra. Recorded in 1966, Volume 1 was released in 1968 and Volume 2 in 1969, both on Sun Ra's own Saturn label. The first volume was reissued on compact disc by Evidence in 1992, whilst the second record has yet to be reissued. The album showcases Ra's skills as a pianist, which are often compared to Cecil Taylor's;

Contents

• Sun ra monorails and satellites
• Volume 1 12 Vinyl
• Volume 2 12 Vinyl
• Musician
• Songs
• References

'Monorails and Satellites, a 1966 solo piano recording, showcases Ra's unique style, which bridges the bluesy architecture of Jelly Roll Morton with the angularity of Monk and Cecil Taylor's ascent beyond traditional structure.'

According to Ra's biographer, John Szwed, the title might refer to Stanley Kubrick's 2001, featuring a monolith that Ra remembered as a monorail, 'perhaps connecting it to his UFO experience'. Both albums shared the same sleeve of disembodied hands playing a keyboard that seems to be plugged directly into Saturn.