All inter-stellar pathways lead to Islington. The Sun Ra Arkestra is back
The Sun Ra Arkestra, under the direction of long time member Marshall Allen, returns for a performance at London's Islington Assembly Hall.
Band leader, keyboardist and composer Sun Ra proclaimed ‘Space Is The Place’ as well as his own extra-terrestial beginnings, from Saturn in particular. His musical roots are firmly in swing but in his many years as resident here on Earth he travelled the stellar pathways of our collective consciousness with deep and searching free jazz ideas. Ra’s Intergalactic Arkestra, an ever-evolving big band of over 30 musicians many who lived in Ra’s Chicago commune, made countless recordings ranging from boogie-woogie to the avante garde. He attained a mythical status for his free, often humorous approach and super-rare recordings, especially since his death in 1993.
Dedication is not only reserved for fans and collectors. Sun Ra’s music and philosiphy is still very much a living entity in the Sun Ra Arkestra, led by long time member and friend alto saxophonist Marshall Allen who recently celebrated his 90th birthday. Allen brought the Arkestra to the Barbican in London in 2014 and his energy and joy on stage was astounding.
On Wednesday March 25th Marshall Allen brings the Arkestra back to for a performance at The Islington Assembly Hall in North London. For more information visit agmp.co.uk.