Presented by long standing Arkestra member and present bandleader Marshall Allen, this is an intelligently assembled compilation of the maestro's greatest work, produced in celebration of his centenary. Released by Strut in collaboration with Art Yard (who have been responsible for carefully curating and releasing definitive editions from Sun Ra's unfathomable back catalogue) the two CDs that make up this set will appeal to both newcomers to his music and ideas, as well as those who think they've heard everything by the great man. The inclusion of previously unreleased Ra piano solo ‘Reflects Motion (Part 1)’, an extended version of ‘Island In The Sun’ and a live rendition of ‘Trying To Put The Blame On Me’ (taken from a 1977 concert in Rome) will keep most die-hard fans content – but even the already available material here sounds as fresh and exciting as when it was first let loose. Highlights include the magnificent and mysterious sounding ‘Astro Black’ (featuring the powerful vocal of June Tyson, with Ra on Moog synthesizer), the Egyptian strut of ‘Ancient Aiethiopia’ and ‘Rocket Number Nine Take Off For Planet Venus’ – a musical missile that was covered by 1960s Detroit revolutionary rock band MC5 on their debut LP for Elektra, Kick Out The Jams. In The Orbit Of Ra covers virtually every angle of Sun Ra's work while he was on Planet Earth, and for those who have yet to experience his music here is the ideal port of entry.