Calling Planet Earth
Calling Planet Earth
Calling Planet Earth
Calling Planet Earth
Calling Planet Earth
Calling Planet Earth
Trending Bestseller

Calling Planet Earth

Close Encounters with Sun Ra

Bob Mielke

No reviews yet Write a Review
Paperback / softback
16 December 2019
$33.00
In Stock: Ships in 7-9 Days
Hurry up! Current stock:
icon Share icon Share
Description  

Calling Planet Earth: Close Encounters with Sun Ra pulls us into the quirky world of the jazz
musician known first as Herman Blount, then as Sun Ra (1914-1993), the Arkestra leader
who claimed for most of his life to have come from Saturn. The book opens with an
introduction to Ra’s “sub-underground” music, a sound which fascinated the author and
turned him into a fan almost fifty years ago. Introductory sections set up key questions, like,
“But is it Jazz?” and “Where is Sun Ra Coming From, Besides Saturn?” How did a black kid
from Birmingham, Alabama, wind up proclaiming himself a Pharoah? After the introduction
comes Mielke’s play, Discipline 27-II: A Cosmo-Drama in Two Acts. That’s followed by a
thorough analysis of an enormous number of recordings, starting in the 1930s and continuing
for the rest of his life. Posthumous releases form a separate chapter. (Most of the
introductory material and analysis of recordings originally appeared in Mielke’s 2013
Adventures in Avant Pop, though it has been updated.)


In the play Discipline 27-II, which premiered in St. Louis, MO in 2015, Mielke makes Sun
Ra’s claim to have come from outer space not an artist’s Afro-futurist proclamation but a
statement of fact. The cast includes Saturn Aliens, a NASA official, and Gaia the Earth
Goddess—all watching an elaborate Sun Ra concert. Ra’s actual life story is dramatized in
short scenes against this concert background. We see him growing up as Herman Blount in
Birmingham, Alabama, and bantering with the racist judge who sent him to prison for refusing
to serve in the Army in 1942. We see him recruiting, teaching, and sheltering the musicians
who became—and still are--the Arkestra. We watch Space Aliens as they comment on
racism, estrangement, and music as healing. Scenes in a bar, in a strip club, a recording
studio, are watched by observant aliens and NASA interrogators as well as by the play’s
audience—and the cumulative effect is respectful of the man who says he’s “Mister Ra, …
Mister E, but most of all, Mister Mystery.” Sun Ra claimed that his true nature was cosmic,
that he had come to enlighten Earth and to teach peace. He and the Arkestra became known
for futuristic costumes, musical experimentation, and performance art. The play’s notes
includes extensive comments on costume options, sets, and performance alternatives—even
a recipe for “Moon Stew,” to be served or sold at the concession stand twenty minutes before
the play starts. Audience involvement in Discipline 27-II begins immediately, in the theater
lobby where Arkestra members sit at random tables doing improvised riffs of increasing
intensity. It continues as we listen in on conversations about philosophy and ethics and
music, and watch exotic dancers and amazing singers and space aliens interact.

Customer reviews  

This product hasn't received any reviews yet. Be the first to review this product!

Write a Reviews
Flat Rate Shipping  
Easy Returns  
$33.00
In Stock: Ships in 7-9 Days
Hurry up! Current stock:
icon Share icon Share
Flat Rate Shipping  
Easy Returns  

Calling Planet Earth

$33.00

Description

Calling Planet Earth: Close Encounters with Sun Ra pulls us into the quirky world of the jazz
musician known first as Herman Blount, then as Sun Ra (1914-1993), the Arkestra leader
who claimed for most of his life to have come from Saturn. The book opens with an
introduction to Ra’s “sub-underground” music, a sound which fascinated the author and
turned him into a fan almost fifty years ago. Introductory sections set up key questions, like,
“But is it Jazz?” and “Where is Sun Ra Coming From, Besides Saturn?” How did a black kid
from Birmingham, Alabama, wind up proclaiming himself a Pharoah? After the introduction
comes Mielke’s play, Discipline 27-II: A Cosmo-Drama in Two Acts. That’s followed by a
thorough analysis of an enormous number of recordings, starting in the 1930s and continuing
for the rest of his life. Posthumous releases form a separate chapter. (Most of the
introductory material and analysis of recordings originally appeared in Mielke’s 2013
Adventures in Avant Pop, though it has been updated.)


In the play Discipline 27-II, which premiered in St. Louis, MO in 2015, Mielke makes Sun
Ra’s claim to have come from outer space not an artist’s Afro-futurist proclamation but a
statement of fact. The cast includes Saturn Aliens, a NASA official, and Gaia the Earth
Goddess—all watching an elaborate Sun Ra concert. Ra’s actual life story is dramatized in
short scenes against this concert background. We see him growing up as Herman Blount in
Birmingham, Alabama, and bantering with the racist judge who sent him to prison for refusing
to serve in the Army in 1942. We see him recruiting, teaching, and sheltering the musicians
who became—and still are--the Arkestra. We watch Space Aliens as they comment on
racism, estrangement, and music as healing. Scenes in a bar, in a strip club, a recording
studio, are watched by observant aliens and NASA interrogators as well as by the play’s
audience—and the cumulative effect is respectful of the man who says he’s “Mister Ra, …
Mister E, but most of all, Mister Mystery.” Sun Ra claimed that his true nature was cosmic,
that he had come to enlighten Earth and to teach peace. He and the Arkestra became known
for futuristic costumes, musical experimentation, and performance art. The play’s notes
includes extensive comments on costume options, sets, and performance alternatives—even
a recipe for “Moon Stew,” to be served or sold at the concession stand twenty minutes before
the play starts. Audience involvement in Discipline 27-II begins immediately, in the theater
lobby where Arkestra members sit at random tables doing improvised riffs of increasing
intensity. It continues as we listen in on conversations about philosophy and ethics and
music, and watch exotic dancers and amazing singers and space aliens interact.

Customers Also Viewed

Discover Books for Every Interest at BookLoop

Discover your next great read at BookLoop, Australia's trusted online bookstore offering a vast selection of titles across various genres and interests. Whether you're curious about what's trending or searching for graphic novels that captivate, thrilling crime and mystery fiction, or exhilarating action and adventure stories, our curated collections have something for every reader. Delve into imaginative fantasy worlds or explore the realms of science fiction that challenge the boundaries of reality.

Books on Hobbies, Crafts, Gardening, and More

For those with a green thumb, our comprehensive range of gardening books provides insights and tips for all levels of enthusiasts. If you're aiming to enhance your financial acumen, our selection of finance, business, and management books offers valuable knowledge from industry experts. Craft lovers will appreciate our assortment of handicrafts, decorative arts, and crafts books, perfect for inspiring your next project. Engage your mind with our collection of hobbies, quizzes, and games books, or explore the mystical with our fortune-telling and divination guides.

Transport, Contemporary Fiction, and Picture Books for Kids

Transportation aficionados can immerse themselves in our extensive transportation books, including detailed works on road and motor vehicles. Young readers are not left out, with a delightful array of picture books and early learning concepts designed to educate and entertain. Fans of contemporary narratives will find compelling stories in our contemporary fiction section. Embark on epic journeys with our fantasy and science fiction titles, or gain inspiration from real-life tales in our biographies and true stories collection. Health-conscious readers can explore our health and wholefood cooking books, focusing on specific diets and conditions.

School Books, Teacher Resources, and Academic Textbooks

Textbooks for Primary, Secondary, and Higher Education

BookLoop proudly supports the educational needs of students and schools across Australia. Our textbook collection includes school books and teacher resources for every phase from primary school books, secondary school books, and essential titles for TAFE courses, vocational training, and university study. Each book is selected to align with curriculum outcomes and classroom needs, making it easy for schools and teachers to plan ahead.

Teacher Resources and Classroom Support Materials

From structured lesson planning to engaging student activities, our wide range of school books and teacher resources provides essential tools for educators. You’ll also find dedicated school and preschool teacher materials designed for early years education, classroom support, and intervention. Teachers can access a reliable selection of workbooks, literacy and numeracy programs, assessment tools, and professional development guides all in one place.

Books for Early Learning Centres and Childcare Professionals

Support the earliest stages of education with our curated range of early childhood care and education books. These titles are ideal for early learning centres, preschools, and childcare settings, offering age-appropriate resources that build foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, and emotional development. Families and educators alike trust our resources for quality, clarity, and classroom effectiveness.

Bulk Book Orders for Schools and Educational Institutions

We make bulk school book orders simple and efficient. Schools, libraries, and early learning centres can rely on BookLoop for competitive pricing, fast shipping, and expert support when sourcing large quantities of textbooks and educational materials. Whether you’re restocking for a new term or ordering resources for an entire class, our bulk ordering system ensures convenience and accuracy every step of the way.

Stay Up to Date with Book Trends

Explore our new releases for the most recent additions in romance books, fantasy books, graphic novels, crime and mystery books, science fiction books as well as biographies, cookbooks, self help books, tarot cards, fortunetelling and much more. With titles covering current trends, booktok and bookstagram recommendations, and emerging authors, BookLoop remains your go-to local australian bookstore for buying books online across all book genres.

Explore the Latest and Most Loved Books

Stay updated with the literary world by browsing our trending books, featuring the latest bestsellers and critically acclaimed works. Explore titles from popular brands like Minecraft, Pokemon, Star Wars, Bluey, Lonely Planet, ABIA award winners, Peppa Pig, and our specialised collection of ADHD books. At BookLoop, we are committed to providing a diverse and enriching reading experience for all.