Sun Ra was one of the most originally unique and forward-thinking composers and bandleaders of the last century. Claiming that he came to Earth from Saturn to spread the message of peace, the experimental pianist/ keyboardist and his ever-evolving ensemble the Arkestra fused together 40s era big band swing with bebop, the blues, free improvisation, spacey electronics, call-and-response chants, and psyched-out jazz-funk grooves to create a signature sound that always seemed to push the boundaries.