Swirling by Sun Ra Arkestra
The planets align as the mighty Sun Ra Arkestra, under the direction of the maestro Marshall Allen, are releasing their first studio album in over twenty years, ‘Swirling’.
“We truly hope that this recording brings much joy to a planet which is so deeply in need of a spirit sound and vibration,” states saxophonist Knoel Scott. “We hope it contributes to a change in the ominous direction of man’s journey through the cosmos.”
“This new release is the Arkestra’s love offering to the world,” concludes Marshall Allen. “Beta music for a better world.”
Recorded at Rittenhouse Soundworks in Philadelphia, the new recording represents the continuation of a heartfelt rebirth of the Arkestra under Allen’s guidance since Sun Ra left the planet in 1993, gaining new generations of followers from their regular touring across the globe. With a big band line-up featuring long-standing Arkestra members including Danny Ray Thompson (RIP), Michael Ray, Vincent Chancey, Knoel Scott, Cecil Brooks, Atakatune (RIP), Elson Nascimento and Tyler Mitchell, the album is a full-blooded celebration of Sun Ra’s legacy.
Tracklist
| 1. | Satellites Are Spinning / Lights on a Satellite | 8:00 |
| 2. | Seductive Fantasy | 11:47 |
| 3. | Swirling | 7:42 |
| 4. | Angels and Demons at Play | 7:05 |
| 5. | Sea of Darkness / Darkness | 5:16 |
| 6. | Rocket No. 9 | 5:00 |
| 7. | Astro Black | 4:51 |
| 8. | Infinity / I'll Wait for You | 9:18 |
| 9. | Unmask the Batman | 4:29 |
| 10. | Sunology | 4:25 |
| 11. | Queer Notions | 5:39 |
| 12. | Space Loneliness | 12:06 |
| 13. | Door of the Cosmos / Say | 7:27 |
Credits
Marshall Allen: Alto Saxophone, EVI
Knoel Scott: Alto Saxophone
James Stewart: Tenor Saxophone, Flute
Danny Ray Thompson: Baritone Saxophone, Flute
Michael Ray: Trumpet
Cecil Brooks: Trumpet
Vincent Chancey: French Horn
Dave Davis: Trombone, Vocals
Farid Barron: Piano
Dave Hotep: Guitar
Tyler Mitchell: Bass
Wayne Anthony Smith, Jr.: Drums
Elson Nascimento: Surdo Drums, Percussion
Stanley “Atakatune” Morgan: Congas
Tara Middleton: Vocals, Violin
Recorded and Mixed at Rittenhouse Soundworks, Philadelphia
Recording Engineer: Peter Tramo
Mixed by Michael Richelle with thanks to Michael Ray and Dilip Harris
Production and Mix Supervision: Jim Hamilton
2020, Strut Records - a division of K7 Music GmbH
License
All rights reserved.Tags
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The cosmic jazz master would have celebrated his 100th earth year in 2014 but his catalogue of over 150 albums, his unique philosophy and his legendary live performances live on for a new generation. The Arkestra lives on, under the direction of Marshall Allen.