The Space Harp, also known as a Frankiphone, is an electrified lamellophone invented by Phil Cohran

Phil Cohran

Kelan Phil Cohran is a jazz musician. He is known most for his trumpet contributions in the Sun Ra Arkestra in Chicago during 1959-1961 and for his involvement in the foundation of the AACM.-Biography:...

 as part of a musicological experiment exploring his African roots. He named it after his mother, Frankie. It was first recorded during his tenure with Sun Ra

Sun Ra

Sun Ra was a prolific jazz composer, bandleader, piano and synthesizer player, poet and philosopher known for his "cosmic philosophy," musical compositions and performances. He was born in Birmingham, Alabama...

 on his album "Angels and Demons at Play

Angels and Demons at Play

Angels and Demons at Play is a jazz album by the American musician Sun Ra and his Myth Science Arkestra.Side one was recorded in 1960, including two tracks taken from the mammoth session either at Hall Recording Company or at the RCA Studios , around 17 June 1960 whilst the tracks on side two were...

".

Later recordings of the Frankiphone include his work in the 1960s with The Artistic Heritage Ensemble, now available on the album entitled On the Beach

On the Beach

On the Beach is a post-apocalyptic, end-of-the-world novel written by British-Australian author Nevil Shute after he emigrated to Australia. It was published in 1957....

. This album consists of recordings of The Artistic Heritage Ensemble, which included a number of well known musicians including Don Myrick

Don Myrick

Don Myrick was a saxophonist.He played alto, tenor and soprano sax and was a member of Earth Wind & Fire's original horn section, The Phenix Horns Esq. from 1975 through 1982. Previously, Myrick had been a member of the musical group The Pharaohs...

 (horn player with Earth, Wind and Fire, Pete Cosey

Pete Cosey

Pete Cosey is an African-American guitarist most famous for playing with Miles Davis' band between 1973 and 1975. His fiercely flanged and distorted guitar bore comparisons to Jimi Hendrix...

 (guitarist with Miles Davis

Miles Davis

Miles Dewey Davis III was an American jazz musician, trumpeter, bandleader, and composer. Widely considered one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, Miles Davis was, with his musical groups, at the forefront of several major developments in jazz music, including bebop, cool jazz,...

) and "Master" Henry Gibson (studio percussionist for Motown). Released in 2007, the entire album revolves around the rhythmic and harmonic stylings of the Frankiphone.