Marshall Allen, perhaps the world's oldest living jazz musician, alto-sax-skronking Afrofuturist and Sun Ra's right-hand man celebrated his centenary last week. As de facto leader of the Sun Ra Arkestra, he has led the ensemble to new heights since the passing of his former boss and friend in 1993. Having only retired from international touring in the last year, he completes his first century safe in the knowledge that his band will continue to preach their message of astral unity long after he's gone.
Born on 25th May, 1924 in Louisville, Kentucky, Allen's early life looks almost conventional when compared to his famous partner. Much like Ra, the young Allen came of age in the segregated South, before moving to the city of Philadelphia with his father. A budding alto saxophonist and clarinet player, he enlisted in the American military during WWII as part of a renowned infantry division known as the 'Buffalo Soldiers'. This racially integrated battalion helped liberate Italy, before Allen relocated to Paris in order to study music upon receiving his honourable discharge. It was during this period that he would begin to interact with a swathe of musical expats, such as Coleman Hawkins and Don Byas – setting the stage for a homecoming to his native country in pursuit of musical exploration.
Upon his return, Allen was first turned onto a recording of Sun Ra by the Chicagoan jazz impresario, Joe Segal, and joined the Arkestra around 1957. Following their formative years of touring across North America, the troupe finally settled in the Philadelphia's historic neighbourhood of Germantown in 1968, in a terraced house that Allen (and several of his bandmates) still occupy to this day.
For many of the ensemble's members, Ra's space age philosophy was more than just business; it was life itself. The esoteric visionary expressed his Saturnian identity in his work, largely through music and poetry. When he died in 1993, the baton was passed to veteran tenor player John Gilmore, before handing the role of bandleader to Allen. In addition to serving as a steadfast and disciplined musician, the centenarian represents the natural succession of Ra's cosmological beliefs as we head into the 21st century. His prolific avant-garde talents have been called on by several leading contemporary figures, including Paul Bley and Medeski, Martin & Wood. Though he may no longer be able to travel on planes due to age-related health concerns, the celestial message he has spent his life conveying is still out there, soaring above the clouds.
Below are some of our favourite recordings to feature Marshall Allen, from the Arkestra and beyond...
Recorded in one intense day, this album was the first made by a pared-down Arkestra after Sun Ra and the core of his group left Chicago and relocated to New York City. This early work, remastered and reissued here for its 60th anniversary, reflects the band's Ellingtonian influences with touches of of exotica, whilst Allen plays a Japanese shakuhachi adapted with a B-flat clarinet mouthpiece.
Available Formats: CD, Hi-Res+ FLAC/ALAC/WAV, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
An absolute classic of the Arkestra's mid-period, featuring the unmistakeable vocals of June Tyson on top of a raucously swinging lineup. Manufactured at the Third Man pressing plant in Detroit, this recent Verve By Request vinyl reissue is a must for anyone wishing to dip their toes in the weird and wonderful world of Ra.
Available Format: Vinyl Record
More exclusive and previously unissued live recordings made at the height of the Arkestra's powers in 1977. Unleashed as part of this year's cohort of Record Store Day offerings, Jazzwise recommended this release for its "emphasis on individual expression, improvisation and sonic texture..."
Available Format: 2 CDs
In case we've missed anything, you can check out this expansive double-LP, assembled by none other than Marshall Allen himself. Bringing together over 25 years of music, this album was the first internationally released compilation to provide an introduction to the music of Sun Ra, mastered from the original tapes with extended and unreleased tracks!
Available Format: 2 Vinyl Records
This scorching trio presents a fearsome set on the Paris-based improvised music label, recorded in 2009. Along with Shipp, the leading avant-garde pianist of his generation and Morris, a pre-eminent free guitarist and bassist, the group make natural running mates. Their interplay is beautiful and raw, and it's touching to hear Allen so at leisure outside of his usual bedazzling milieu.
Available Format: CD
Mitchell's follow-up album, recorded at Smalls Jazz Club in 2021, is a more soulful affair that delves deeper into the Sun Ra canon. Hearing these timeless compositions imbued with a breath of fresh air they so richly deserve is the cherry on the cake.
Available Formats: FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
