It’s an album a century in the making!
After three decades of leading the legendary “Sun Ra Arkestra” group, alto saxophonist Marshall Allen is stepping into the spotlight with his first solo album at the incredible age of 100. The pioneering jazz musician has announced his debut album, New Dawn, set for release on February 14, Okayplayer reports.
A legend in his own right, Allen has been at the helm of the Sun Ra Arkestra since 1995, carrying on the cosmic and Afrofuturist legacy of the group’s founder, Sun Ra, after his passing in 1993. Now, he’s bringing his own creative vision to the forefront with New Dawn, a seven-track album featuring the songs: “Prologue,” “African Sunset,” “New Dawn,” “Are You Ready,” “Sonny’s Dance,” “Boma,” and “Angels and Demons at Play.” Fans were treated to the title track earlier this week, featuring the iconic Neneh Cherry, while Allen had previously shared “African Sunset” last year.
Marshall Allen’s journey with the Sun Ra Arkestra is the stuff of legend. In an interview with Jazzwise, he reminisced about the moment he discovered Sun Ra’s music. Back in 1957, Allen, who was working at a camera company polishing lenses, stumbled upon the Super-Sonic Jazz album. The music’s otherworldly sound captivated him instantly.
“I had a job at a camera company, polishing lenses. One day, I got off work and bought that album. I took it home and listened to it, and I was like, ‘Boy, what’s that band?’ The stuff they were doing, I’d never heard that before. It was far out and [had] different kinds of melodies,” he recalled.
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Allen’s determination to be part of this groundbreaking band led him to track them down just a few blocks from his home. Enthralled by their sound, he wasted no time and brought his saxophone to a rehearsal. His passion was so strong that he stayed out all night with Sun Ra, even at the cost of being late to work the next day.
In 1958, his persistence paid off when Sun Ra finally welcomed him into the Arkestra. From then on, Allen became a key figure in the group, shaping its unique sound and philosophy for decades to come. The group is headquartered in a rowhouse in Philly, where Allen has lived and worked since the 60s. They have received numerous honors and accolades in recent years, including opening up for Solange during her A Seat at the Table tour.
Now, at 100 years old, Allen’s work isn’t finished yet. The album New Dawn serves as both a testament to his lifelong dedication to the art of jazz and an exciting new chapter in his storied career. This album is not just music; it’s a celebration of resilience, creativity, and the boundless possibilities of artistic expression. A true jazz pioneer, the album encapsulates a century-old legacy.
Cover photo: ‘Sun Ra Arkestra’ Jazz Musician Marshall Allen to Release Debut Solo Album at 100 Years Old/Photo credit: Raymond Boyd/Getty Images