The Sun Ra Arkestra
Jazz band led by Sun Ra From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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]
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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 |
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.[5]
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.[6][4]
In 1995, Allen became the leader of the Arkestra after Gilmore's death.[7][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][8]
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.[5][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."[9]
Music style and influences
The Arkestra draws from a range of musical genres: swing, rock 'n' roll, Chicago blues, improvisation and electronic.[8]
When the Arkestra performs, the band members wear flashy capes and sequined headdresses.[5][8]
Members
- Current line-up[10]
- 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 (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
- Anthony Nelson - baritone saxophone
- Robert Stringer - trombone
Discography
Studio Albums
See also Sun Ra discography
Live Albums
- Babylon Live (In + Out Records/2015)[13]
References
External links
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