The Sun Ra Arkestra
The Sun Ra Arkestra is an American jazz group formed in the mid-1950s and led by keyboardist/composer Sun Ra until his death in 1993. The group is considered a pioneer of afrofuturism.[1][2] As of 2021, the Arkestra was led by saxophonist Marshall Allen who is supported by more than a dozen other members.[3]
The Sun Ra Arkestra | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Genres | Jazz |
| Years active | mid-1950s - present |
| Associated acts | Sun Ra |
| Website | sunraarkestra.com |
| Past members | Sun Ra, Atakatune (Stanley Morgan), Danny Ray Thompson |
History
The band is headquartered in a rowhouse in Philadelphia's Germantown neighborhood. Saxophonist and current leader Marshall Allen has lived and worked in the house since 1968.[4]
In 1976, Vincent Chancey, an American jazz hornist joined the group.[3]
In 1993, Allen became the leader of Arkestra after Sun Ra died.[4]
In 1999, the Arkestra released the studio album, A Song for the Sun.[3]
In 2009, Philadelphia's Institute of Contemporary Art hosted an exhibition of the group's history and artistry.[2]
In 2012 Tara Middleton, a violinist and vocalist joined the group.[3][5]
In 2017, the Arkestra opened for Solange on her tour supporting her 2016 album, A Seat at the Table.[2]
In 2019, the Arkestra had their last major performance at the Hollywood Theater in Portland, Oregon.[2]
In October 2020, the Sun Ra Arkestra released Swirling, the first album the band released in 20 years.[4][3] The band recorded the album at Philadelphia's Rittenhouse Soundworks and was released on Strut Records.[2] The album features the first-ever recording of Sun Ra's song "Darkness."[6]
Music style and influences
The Arkestra draws from a range of musical genres: swing, rock 'n' roll, Chicago blues, improvisation and electronic.[5]
When the Arkestra performs, the band members wear flashy capes and sequined headdresses.[4][5]
References
| Library resources about The Sun Ra Arkestra |
- "On 'Swirling,' Marshall Allen Keeps The Sun Ra Arkestra Soaring Through Space". NPR.org. Retrieved 2021-03-07.
- Shaffer, Claire (2020-06-23). "Sun Ra Arkestra Announce First Album in 20 Years". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2021-03-07.
- Effinger, Shannon. "Marshall Allen is 96 years old and still leading one of the most visionary jazz groups of all time". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2021-03-07.
- "After partial collapse, neighbors help make Sun Ra's Philly space the place again". WHYY. Retrieved 2021-03-06.
- Russonello, Giovanni (2020-10-27). "Earth Couldn't Contain Sun Ra's Ideas. His Arkestra Is Still Exploring Them". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-03-07.
- Kreps, Daniel (2020-07-16). "Sun Ra Arkestra Revisit Jazz Legend's Classics on New Album 'Swirling'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2021-03-07.
External links
- The Sun Ra Arkestra, Official site, under the direction of Marshall Allen