The Role in Another Dimension

It's truly remarkable to think that at the age of 99, legendary musician Marshall Allen could hold a sold-out tour. Allen's illustrious career in music is a testament to his remarkable talent, dedication, and passion for his craft. Allen's deep admiration for Sun Ra, a pioneering figure in jazz and Afrofuturism, significantly shaped his musical career. Sun Ra was known for his innovative compositions and multidisciplinary artistry, and after meeting him in 1952, Allen joined his band as a saxophonist, guitarist, and flutist. Over the years, Allen honed his skills under Sun Ra's tutelage and became integral to his band's sound and success. Following Sun Ra's passing in 1993, Marshall Allen assumed leadership of the band, carrying on its groundbreaking legacy and continuing to delight fans with his remarkable music.   

  

                         

Marshal Allen was born in Louisville, Kentucky, on May 25th, 1924. During his teenage years, he developed a passion for music and learned to play the piano, trumpet, and saxophone, eventually becoming his chosen instrument. After completing his high school education, he enlisted in the US Army and was assigned to the 92nd Infantry Division, where he served in World War II. While stationed in Paris, he found the opportunity to pursue his musical career and began studying the saxophone under renowned musicians such as Sidney Bechet and Johnny Hodges. His dedication and talent soon made him a sought-after performer.

                            

Marshal Allen and Sun Ra were two of the most influential jazz musicians of the 20th century. They were pioneers who set themselves apart from their contemporaries by incorporating innovative and avant-garde techniques into their music. Together, they created a more explosive, jarring, and chaotic sound than commonly heard in jazz music at that time. Despite the complexity of their ideas, they managed to strike a perfect balance between different rhythms, emotions, and knowledge, resulting in a unique, visionary, polyrhythmic dimension of sound. As performers, musicians, and composers, they brought unprecedented complexity to their music, and their collaborations resulted in some of the most groundbreaking albums of the era, such as "The Heliocentric Worlds of Sun Ra, Volume One" and "The Magic City." Their relationship was so strong that in 1968, Sun Ra and the Arkestra moved from New York City to a rowhome in Philadelphia owned by Marshall Allen's father. One of the most notable aspects of Sun Ra and his Arkestra's music was their use of electronic instruments, which was rare in jazz then. As early as 1956, the band was one of the first to employ electric piano and synthesizers, which gave their music a futuristic and otherworldly quality. They also incorporated the use of the Theremin, the first electronic musical instrument invented in 1919 in Russia, which further expanded the sonic possibilities of their music. The following videos highlight two live performances by Sun Ra and his Arkestra. The first video was recorded before Sun Ra's passing, and Marshall Allen is seen playing a more subordinate role. After Sun Ra's death, Allen took over as band leader. The second video features a live performance where Marshall Allen is the lead performer of the Arkestra.

                         

Marshall Allen had a deep connection with Sun Ra, which is evident in their symbiotic relationship. Allen's contribution to Sun Ra's lasting legacy is noteworthy, especially since only a handful of jazz bands with an outer space theme have been active since the 1950s. The latest album by The Sun Ra Arkestra, "Swirling," is a testament to Allen's unwavering dedication to the music and showcases his remarkable musicianship.

                         

Marshall Allen is essential because he is a true exemplar of musicianship. He possesses incredible musical knowledge and is still actively performing and teaching. Amazingly, I can listen to the music of one of my favorite composers and musicians, Sun Ra, through recordings or live performances thanks to Marshall Allen's continued touring and preservation of Sun Ra’s legacy. Marshall Allen is the perfect example of mastering one's craft without fear.

Out There A Minute with Marshall Allen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdTR-fiLfwQ

Sun Ra Arkestra - North Sea Jazz Festival 1979 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HadDarqipA

Marshall Allen Bio https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marshall_Allen

Sun Ra Arkestra Bio https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sun_Ra_Arkestra

https://www.theguardian.com/music/2024/feb/02/a-man-cannot-learn-without-discipline-jazz-guru-marshall-allen-on-life-with-sun-ra-and-turning-100

https://relix.com/articles/detail/marshall-allen-and-tyler-mitchell-sharing-sun-ras-journey/