The Sun Ra Arkestra
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The Sun Ra Arkestra | |
|---|---|
 2023 Burlington Discover Jazz Festival | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Genres | Jazz |
| Years active | mid-1950s - present |
| Past members | Sun Ra, Atakatune (Stanley Morgan), Danny Ray Thompson |
| Website | sunraarkestra.com |
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] Since 1995 the Arkestra has been led by saxophonist Marshall Allen, an Arkestra member since 1958, who is supported by more than a dozen other musicians.[3][4] For 2026 Grammy Awards, they received a nomination for the album Lights on a Satellite in the Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album category.[5]
History
[edit | edit source]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.[6]
In 1968, vocalist June Tyson joined the group. She helped to define the Arkestra's sound through her vocals and spoken word, and contributed to its distinctive costumes and choreography. Her close collaboration with Sun Ra continued until her death in 1992.[7]
In 1976, Vincent Chancey, an American jazz hornist joined the group.[3]
In 1993, John Gilmore became the leader of the Arkestra after Sun Ra died.[8][4]
In 1995, Allen became the leader of the Arkestra after Gilmore's death.[9][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][10]
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 a 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.[6][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."[11]
Music style and influences
[edit | edit source]The Arkestra draws from a range of musical genres: swing, rock 'n' roll, Chicago blues, improvisation and electronic.[10]
When the Arkestra performs, the band members wear flashy capes and sequined headdresses.[6][10]
Members
[edit | edit source]- Current line-up[12]
- Marshall Allen - alto saxophone, flute, EVI (joined 1958)
- Vincent Chancey - french horn (joined 1976)
- Michael Ray - trumpet, vocals (joined 1978)
- Knoel Scott - baritone & alto saxophone (joined 1979)
- Fred Adams - trumpet (joined 1982)
- Tyler Mitchell - bass (joined 1985)
- Elson Nascimento - surdo, percussion (joined 1988)
- Jorge Silva - repinique, percussion (joined 1989)
- Kash Killion - cello (joined 1989)
- Dave Davis - trombone (joined 1997)
- D. Hotep - guitar, electronics (joined 2000)
- James Stewart - tenor sax, flute (joined 2011)
- Farid Abdul-bari Barron - piano
- Cecil Brooks - trumpet
- George Gray - drums
- Chris Hemingway - alto & soprano saxophone
- Tara Middleton - voice, percussion, violin (joined 2012)
- Anthony Nelson - baritone saxophone
- Robert Stringer - trombone
Discography
[edit | edit source]Studio Albums
See also Sun Ra discography
Live Albums
- Babylon Live (In + Out Records/2015)[15]
References
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External links
[edit | edit source]- The Sun Ra Arkestra, official site, under the direction of Marshall Allen
- Sun Ra Arkestra concert at Acht Brücken Festival, Stadtgarten in Cologne, Germany on 2022-06-07 [1:40:57]
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