About

The Arkestra has been under the direction of nonagenarian Marshall Allen since Sun Ra's death in 1993. Allen, an alto saxophonist and sideman to Ra since the 1950s, has been the keeper of the interstellar flame and face of the Arkestra. His efforts have recruited the amazing talents of Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra pianist Farid Barron and singer Tara Middleton, who fills in for the departed June Tyson. Opening with "Astro Black," the percussive pulse propels the strength of Middleton's vocals, then the 14-piece Arkestra, beyond earth's orbit with "RA#2," a Sun Ra rehearsal piece Allen expands into a 10-minute charge with tenor saxophonist James Stuart firing his afterburners.

Gone are the infamous John Gilmore, and Pat Patrick, but the new disciples are ready, willing and more than capable of this space mission. Allen casts the music of the swing bands against his love of free blowing here. Hoagy Carmichael's "Stardust" is gently delivered first, with the haunting vocals of Middleton, then the Arkestra guides it to an eerie rest. No doubt, this is feel-good party music. Just like the days of old, the members of the Arkestra play music untethered by gravity and time. - All About Jazz