Angels and Demons at Play cover

Angels and Demons at Play

Sun Ra · 1960

23 min · 8 tracks · jazz fusion · swing · free jazz

A cosmic journey through avant-garde soundscapes that blend improvisation with surreal lyrical imagery.

Why this album works

Best for
short exploratory sonic adventure surreal imagery for focused listening front-loaded energy and intrigue
Context
Released in 1960, 'Angels and Demons at Play' marks Sun Ra's emergence as a pioneering force in avant-garde jazz. This album followed his earlier work 'Jazz in Silhouette', showcasing his eclectic style and innovative approach to composition. At this point, Sun Ra was beginning to cultivate his unique persona and philosophy, which would inform his future endeavors in music and performance.
If you like
jazz fusion, swing, free jazz

Angels and Demons at Play is an album by Sun Ra, released in 1960. A cosmic journey through avant-garde soundscapes that blend improvisation with surreal lyrical imagery. This album is significant for its role in shaping the avant-garde jazz movement of the 1960s, influencing countless musicians across genres. 'Angels and Demons at Play' has been highlighted in various retrospectives for its experimental nature, contributing to discussions around free jazz and the broader cultural context of the era. Critics have noted its visionary qualities that resonate with themes of space, time, and existential inquiry. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Angels and Demons at Play sound like?

A cosmic journey through avant-garde soundscapes that blend improvisation with surreal lyrical imagery. Rooted in jazz fusion and swing.

What makes Angels and Demons at Play by Sun Ra notable?

This album is significant for its role in shaping the avant-garde jazz movement of the 1960s, influencing countless musicians across genres. 'Angels and Demons at Play' has been highlighted in various retrospectives for its experimental nature, contributing to discussions around free jazz and the broader cultural context of the era. Critics have noted its visionary qualities that resonate with themes of space, time, and existential inquiry. Released in 1960, 'Angels and Demons at Play' marks Sun Ra's emergence as a pioneering force in avant-garde jazz. This album followed his earlier work 'Jazz in Silhouette', showcasing his eclectic style and innovative approach to composition. At this point, Sun Ra was beginning to cultivate his unique persona and philosophy, which would inform his future endeavors in music and performance.

Who is Angels and Demons at Play for?

Angels and Demons at Play works well if you're into short exploratory sonic adventure, surreal imagery for focused listening and front-loaded energy and intrigue.

How many songs are on Angels and Demons at Play?

Angels and Demons at Play has 8 tracks, running approximately 23 minutes.

Tracklist

8 tracks·23:07

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Tiny Pyramids 3:36
  • 2 Between Two Worlds 1:56
  • 3 Music From the World Tomorrow Standout 2:20
  • 4 Angels and Demons at Play Standout 2:56
  • 5 Urnack 3:45
  • 6 Medicine for a Nightmare 2:15
  • 7 A Call for All Demons 4:12
  • 8 Demon's Lullaby Standout 2:07

Release Date

January 1, 1960

Genre

free jazz, jazz fusion, swing

More albums in free jazz

Artist Origin

United States

Runtime

23 min 7 sec