New Dawn

Marshall Allen began his association with Sun Ra in the 1950s, and has led the Arkestra since 1995. Hes collaborated with numerous artists outside of the Arkestra, from other avant-jazz luminaries like William Parker and Roscoe Mitchell to electronic producers such as Hieroglyphic Being and Caribou. Any previous releases bearing his name on the cover have all been collaborations, making New Dawn his first proper solo effort, arriving nearly a year after Allen celebrated his hundredth birthday. As anyone whos seen him perform can attest, hes still able to conjure up some ferocious, otherworldly tones in his alto saxophone and EWI (electronic wind instrument). New Dawn is distinct in his body of work, showing his stylistic range but clearly separate from his work in the Arkestra. Theres no chaotic free jazz on the album, and Allens playing is generally restrained, even sentimental, though it does explore the outer limits in its own way. Even if its some of his most accessible, down-to-earth work, theres still a spacy aura to it, particularly in the way his EWI playing subtly drifts throughout "African Sunset," providing cosmic echoes rather than the songs primary melodies. Most of the pieces are backed by a full string section, along with veteran musicians like bassist Jamaaladeen Tacuma, trumpeters Michael Ray and Cecil Brooks, and fellow Arkestra member Knoel Scott, who helped drive the project. Neneh Cherry guests on "New Dawn," an ethereal ballad and the albums only vocal selection. "Are You Ready" is a raucous, New Orleans-inspired swinger calling back to Allens big band roots, and "Boma" is an extended, flowing groove with flashes of dubby effects. A rendition of "Angels and Demons at Play" moves at a languid pace but its slow movements float upward to the stratosphere. New Dawn is a powerful work from a celebrated artist who has never stopped exploring new territory. ~ Paul Simpson