Marshall Allen – New Dawn (2025) [FLAC 24bit/48kHz]

Marshall Allen – New Dawn (2025)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/48 kHz | Time – 40:44 minutes | 472 MB | Genre: Jazz
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Week-End Records

What’s more unbelievable, that Marshall Allen has never released a collection of his own compositions or that the initial offering from him comes a few months shy of his 101st birthday? Allen, the leader of the Sun Ra Arkestra since 1995, and who continues to regularly play live, has long been known as a collaborator—even beyond his space jazz collective. Marshall calls in the whole cavalry for New Dawn, and after several decades of goodwill, commands the best of Arkestra members and non-members alike.Tempos vary throughout the album, switching langs from song to sling, allowing for a number of players to contribute. The title track’s sexy, noir saxophone solo treads the heels of slow, alluring vocals from Neneh Cherry only to be followed by the ballroom, big band slapper “Are You Ready.” Former Ornette Coleman bassist Jamaaladeen Tacuma shines throughout New Dawn, but his bassline on album closer “Angels and Demons At Play” does some nasty work. “Sonny’s Dance” fits before it starts; a soft alto sax solo from Allen leads to former Arkestra guitarist Bruce Edwards (1984-1992) leading a free jazz journey on over standard beats.

Allen likely has never played on an album that didn’t feature at least one long exploration, and the 10-minute-plus “Boma” provides room and time for all the musicians to get involved in the action. Nearly three-quarters into the piece, a welter of strings flutter, leading to an incredible drum solo that serves as the bridge to the song’s coda. This is Allen’s leadership at his finest—offering up moments of unconstraint as the song circulates around the thesis.

After a long life spent in service to collaboration, this debut album is a brave move toward further immortality. And what’s more authentic than the continued remembrance of a legend? – Jeff Laughlin

Tracklist:

1-1. Marshall Allen – Prologue (00:45)
1-2. Marshall Allen – African Sunset (07:28)
1-3. Marshall Allen – New Dawn (06:34)
1-4. Marshall Allen – Are You Ready (05:40)
1-5. Marshall Allen – Sonny’s Dance (05:33)
1-6. Marshall Allen – Boma (10:22)
1-7. Marshall Allen – Angels And Demons At Play (04:22)

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