Nothing Is cover

Nothing Is

Sun Ra · 1970

64 min · 12 tracks · jazz fusion · swing · free jazz

An expansive journey through cosmic soundscapes blending free jazz improvisation with avant-garde experimentation.

Why this album works

Best for
expansive soundscapes for exploration wave-like pacing encourages immersion dynamic journey through cosmic realms
Context
Released in 1970, 'Nothing Is' marks a significant point in Sun Ra's career as he was expanding his musical repertoire beyond traditional jazz. This album came shortly after the groundbreaking 'The Heliocentric Worlds of Sun Ra', showcasing his continued exploration of space-themed concepts and avant-garde techniques. Sun Ra was solidifying his reputation as a pioneer of experimental jazz during this period.
If you like
jazz fusion, swing, free jazz

Nothing Is is an album by Sun Ra, released in 1970. An expansive journey through cosmic soundscapes blending free jazz improvisation with avant-garde experimentation. 'Nothing Is' stands out for its ambitious fusion of free jazz and cosmic themes, influencing the avant-garde and experimental music scenes. The album is noted for its unconventional structure and improvisational nature, which has inspired numerous musicians and composers within and beyond the jazz genre. Additionally, it reflects Sun Ra's unique vision that blended music with philosophy, ultimately contributing to his legacy as a key figure in jazz history. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Nothing Is sound like?

An expansive journey through cosmic soundscapes blending free jazz improvisation with avant-garde experimentation. Rooted in jazz fusion and swing.

What makes Nothing Is by Sun Ra notable?

'Nothing Is' stands out for its ambitious fusion of free jazz and cosmic themes, influencing the avant-garde and experimental music scenes. The album is noted for its unconventional structure and improvisational nature, which has inspired numerous musicians and composers within and beyond the jazz genre. Additionally, it reflects Sun Ra's unique vision that blended music with philosophy, ultimately contributing to his legacy as a key figure in jazz history. Released in 1970, 'Nothing Is' marks a significant point in Sun Ra's career as he was expanding his musical repertoire beyond traditional jazz. This album came shortly after the groundbreaking 'The Heliocentric Worlds of Sun Ra', showcasing his continued exploration of space-themed concepts and avant-garde techniques. Sun Ra was solidifying his reputation as a pioneer of experimental jazz during this period.

Who is Nothing Is for?

Nothing Is works well if you're into expansive soundscapes for exploration, wave-like pacing encourages immersion and dynamic journey through cosmic realms.

How many songs are on Nothing Is?

Nothing Is has 12 tracks, running approximately 64 minutes.

Tracklist

12 tracks·64:41

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

  • 1 Sun Ra and His Band From Outer Space 11:18
  • 2 The Shadow World 4:30
  • 3 Theme of the Stargazers 1:48
  • 4 Outer Spaceways Incorporated 0:32
  • 5 Next Stop Mars 0:34
  • 6 Dancing Shadows Standout 9:45
  • 7 Imagination 0:41
  • 8 Second Stop Is Jupiter 1:12
  • 9 Exotic Forest 9:44
  • 10 Velvet 7:20
  • 11 Outer Nothingness Standout 15:43
  • 12 We Travel the Spaceways Standout 1:30

Release Date

January 1, 1970

Genre

free jazz, jazz fusion, swing

More albums in free jazz

Artist Origin

United States

Runtime

64 min 41 sec