Recorded in November 1957 for Transition Records. Originally released on Delmark (114) in 1968.

Personnel: Sun Ra (piano, electric piano); Clyde Williams (vocals); Pat Patrick (alto saxophone, baritone saxophone); John Gilmore (tenor saxophone); Charles Davis (baritone saxophone); Dave Young, Dave Young Orchestra, David Young, Arthur Hoyle (trumpet); John Avant, Julian Priester (trombone); William "Bugs" Cochran (drums); Jim Herndon (timbales, timpani); James Herndon (percussion).

Liner Note Author: Terry Martin.

Recording information: 11/1957.

Photographer: Zbigniew Jastrzebski.

Arranger: Sun Ra.

The late pianist/bandleader/composer Sun Ra was known for his theatrical performances and for applying concepts of free jazz to a big band/orchestral context. SOUND OF JOY was recorded in 1957, during the Ra's Chicago sojourn, and is closer to the modern swinging sounds of Duke Ellington than to free jazz. Ellington was clearly an influence on Ra, and Ra combines this with the more progressive aspects of hard bop. SOUND OF JOY is ideal for Ra neophytes and Ra fans that want to hear his beginnings.