Jeff Mills and Sun Ra Arkestra

Amazing production, great venue and the combination of the BBC Philharmonic orchestra and one of Techno’s pioneers was something to behold. A cinematic musical experience.

I only hope that the Barbican centre puts on more performances like this that bridge two very different music genres and draws in a crowd that is quite diverse.

A Joyful Noise

Interplanetary.... Interplanetary.... Interplanetary.... With a burst of saxes and percussion the Arkestra launched themselves into orbit at Gorilla in Manchester.

The tiny stage is a riot of colour and crammed to the gunnels with musicians in glittery costumes playing their brand of jazz.

Being a relative new-comer to Sun Ra's vast back catalogue, I didn't know the names of most of the songs they played. But looking round at the audience, all I saw was a sea of smiling faces a dancing bodies (even the people sitting down) It was glorious to be there.

They ended with 'Space is the Place' and the procession through the audience. As the band filed slowly away and the music faded. The audience, as one, erupted into a huge ovation arms pumping the air. Stunning.

Marshall Allen, what can we say. 91 and still gigging. If you like Sun Ra take the chance to see them, it may not go on much longer.