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]
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]
Discography
Studio Albums
- A Song of the Sun (1999)
- Swirling (2020)
- Living Sky (2022)[10]
See also Sun Ra discography
Live Albums
- Babylon Live (In + Out Records/2015)[11]
References
External links
- 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]