Nothing Is... was one of a handful of Sun Ra releases on the ESP label, his Concert For Comet Kahoutek being one of the wildest and most experimental jazz recordings.
Nothing Is... is a classic Sun Ra free-jazz exploration. On "Dancing Shadows", a huge horn section combines with Ra's piano, and Clifford Jarvis keeps the rhythm in check on drums. Arkestra mainstays John Gilmore, Marhsall Allen, and Pat Patrick are a dominating trio kicking out passionate and often fiery licks on their horns. The saxophone is just as potent a force in jazz as the electric guitar is in rock music. Either oboe or clarinet heard on "Exotic Forest", but this tune is led by a seductive snake charming melody that seems to be surrounded by a circle of African styled percussion. The combination of African and Egyptian influences produces a haunting effect, with the deep sound of the standup bass playing a simple, repetitive, but effective line that serves as the ensemble's backbone. And speaking of bass, check out Ronnie Boykins' killer solo on "Shadow World".
Vocals are present at times too, usually to place the proceedings firmly in the cosmos. The musicians chant, "the second stop is Jupiter, the second stop is Jupiter", as the horns wail in frenzied unity. And there's Ra playing a beautiful piano melody as we hear the group chant, "Sun Ra, and his band, from outerspace, will entertain you now". Ra's playing quickly becomes dark and intense, and the horns go ballistic. Just beautiful. The free-jazz version of acid rock
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!