Welcome back to Bespoke, I'm your host Matilda. Today, we're diving into the cosmic world of jazz, exploring the music of the enigmatic Sun Ra. Sun Ra, born Herman Poole Blount, was a jazz composer, bandleader, and pianist known for his experimental music and theatrical performances. 

Sun Ra's music is a fusion of styles, blending big band jazz with the avant-garde, incorporating electronic keyboards, unconventional harmonies, and African rhythms. His work is often described as 'cosmic jazz,' a nod to his fascination with outer space and ancient Egyptian mythology. 

In the 1950s, Sun Ra formed his band, Sun Ra Arkestra, which became a platform for his innovative compositions and extravagant performances. A typical Sun Ra concert was not just a musical event, but a spectacle complete with costumes, dancers, and poetry. 

Sun Ra's music was not always understood or appreciated in its time, but his influence has been profound. He was one of the first musicians to use electronic keyboards and synthesizers, and his emphasis on collective improvisation and his fusion of different musical styles have had a lasting impact on jazz.

Critics often describe Sun Ra as an acquired taste. His music is complex, challenging, and at times, bewildering. But for those willing to embark on the journey, the music of Sun Ra offers a unique and rewarding exploration of the outer limits of jazz. 

Join us next time as we delve deeper into the life and legacy of Sun Ra. Until then, keep exploring the cosmos of sound.