In December, David Grandison Jr of the Music Origins Project was invited to document an event at Hauser & Wirth Gallery in Manhattan, New York. This illustrious gallery played host to an extraordinary event: the launch of Outer Spaceways Inc.: Kronos Quartet; Friends Meet Sun Ra, a groundbreaking collaboration commissioned by the Red Hot Organization. This unique album, created in celebration of Kronos Quartet’s 50th anniversary, brings together some of the most innovative voices in contemporary music to pay tribute to Sun Ra, the cosmic jazz pioneer who redefined the boundaries of music and imagination.
A Night of Stories, Sounds, and Cosmic Connections
The evening featured a panel discussion moderated by Outer Spaceways Inc. Producer Elia Einhorn (Pitchfork). Joining him were David Harrington, founder of Kronos Quartet, and Laraaji, the minimalist icon and New Age pioneer whose luminous presence graces the album. Together, they offered an enthralling behind-the-scenes look at the creative process, sharing stories of collaboration with luminaries like Georgia Anne Muldrow, abstract hip-hop trailblazers Armand Hammer, and footwork innovator RP Boo.
One unforgettable highlight in the discussion was Elia’s story of working with Laurie Anderson, the legendary experimental artist and music technologist. He described Laurie’s forward-thinking approach to AI as a creative collaborator—developing models that emulate she and her late husband Lou Reed’s artistic processes—was a testament to her role as a pioneer in electronic music. From her iconic Tape-Bow Violin to groundbreaking installations like “Duet for Violin and Door Jamb”, Anderson has continually redefined what’s possible in sound and storytelling.
The Legacy of Kronos Quartet Meets the Vision of Sun Ra
The album itself is a cosmic collaborative masterpiece, featuring a stellar lineup:
Laraaji, weaving his signature ethereal sound into Sun Ra’s early doo-wop piece, “Daddy’s Gonna Tell You No Lie.” 700 Bliss (Moor Mother, DJ Haram), pushing boundaries with radical beats and rap. Terry Riley, minimalist music pioneer, channeling celestial energy alongside the Quartet. Jlin, Armand Hammer, and many more, adding layers of depth and innovation.
With artwork contributed by the esteemed Lorna Simpson, whose powerful collages explore identity politics and marginalized voices, the album is more than just music—it’s a multimedia celebration of creativity, and resilience, for climate justice. A limited number of albums signed by Lorna Simpson are available in the Hauser & Wirth gallery. The gallery also has copies of the album signed by David Harrington and Laraaji.
“Daddy’s Gonna Tell You No Lie” features New Age pioneer Laraaji, and finds the beloved, orange-clad zither and piano player laying down a hypnotic groove on an early Sun Ra doo wop track.
“Outer Spaceways Incorporated,” pairs spiraling strings of the Kronos Quartet with vocals by Los Angeles’ inimitable cosmic diva Georgia Anne Muldrow.
“Images Suite (Images / Horoscope / Ancient Aiethopia / Interstellar Low Ways)” is a suite of gorgeous movements, mystical and charged with ethereal space-like narrations by Laurie Anderson with instrumentation in collaboration with Steven Bernstein, Sex Mob, Kronos Quartet. This track also features the legendary centenarian Marshall Allen. He is one of the original members of the band, who collaborated with Sun Ra in the Arkestra.
A Toast to Innovation and Sun Ra
Sun Ra was a musical visionary who explored the outer limits of jazz and fused it with elements of Afrofuturism and science fiction. Over the course of his career, he assembled a collective of musicians known as the Arkestra and created a unique sound that blended big band swing with free improvisation, electronic instruments, and Eastern and African musical traditions. The Sun Ra Arkestra is currently helmed by Marshall Allen who at 100 years of age continues to tour the world spreading his afrofuturistic sound and influence.
David Harrington aptly noted during the event, “Sun Ra is one of the great American composers of the 20th century.” This album cements his legacy while pushing boundaries in classical music and jazz, showing that the Kronos Quartet remains at the forefront of innovation after 50 years.
Listen to the album on Spotify:
The Red Hot Mission
David is a Creative Advisor for Red Hot. Beyond music, Outer Spaceways Inc. aligns with the Red Hot Organization’s mission to advocate for social change. Partnering with the Green New Deal Network, Red Hot uses art to amplify the call for climate justice, emphasizing the intersection of music, activism, and hope.
Support and purchase the album at Red Hot’s Bandcamp Page for Outer Spaceways Inc. or purchase exclusive, limited edition signed albums at Hauser & Wirth.