Week-End Germany Vinyl & CDs

Review: Sun Ra Arkestra's bandleader since 1958, Marshall Allen, will always be known for his hyper-effected sax wayfarings; he treats a simple monophonic brass instrument as a vessel for psychic voyaging, onstage and off. Perhaps, however, this has meant he's been too freewheeling in his approach: Somehow, in over 70 years since joining the Arkestra, Allen had never recorded a solo album. That all changed just two days after his 100th birthday, resulting in what you hear here. Now the debut album by a live legend unfolds, like a rogue planet hidden behind a supernova. This proverbial "new dawn" draws on both new beginnings and legacies, waxing gibbous between big band swing, freer-form danceoffs, and even a vocal hoverer with Neneh Cherry.

Review: A century of musical wisdom unfolds in a striking debut that bridges past and future with effortless fluidity. Channeling the avant-garde spirit of Sun Ra while carving out a singular voice, the album explores transdimensional jazz palettes, blues-infused big band and serene introspection. At its core is an artist whose mastery of saxophone and EVI transcends boundaries, fusing deep improvisation with a lifetime of sonic exploration. The project, spearheaded by longtime collaborator Knoel Scott and producer Jan Lankisch, emerged from an archive of unrecorded compositions. Featuring luminaries like Michael Ray, Jamaaladeen Tacuma and Cecil Brooks, the sessions in Philadelphia captured a raw, spontaneous energy. The title track blends spiritual jazz with the unmistakable vocals of Neneh Cherry, her presence adding a layer of cosmic depth. 'African Depth' is an atmospheric jazz gem of the highest order. A lullaby that will expand your horizons, the piece takes the album to another level. Defined by both reflection and innovation, the album reveals a previously unheard side of its creatoriswinging, bopping and expanding jazz's celestial reach. Though deeply rooted in tradition, the music never lingers in nostalgia, instead pushing ever forward. Not a culmination but an evolution, this is a real a love letter to spacetime that resonates across generations.

Review: Making your debut release at 100 years old must be a feat that no-one's ever achieved before. This isn't just a novelty act. Marshall Allen remains a force of nature, and 'New Dawn' proves it. The lead single and title of his debut solo album is a subdued yet powerful statement, showing a different side to the legendary saxophonist who has shaped the Sun Ra Arkestra for over 70 years. Featuring Neneh Cherry, 'New Dawn' unfolds as a contemporary jazz odyssey, balancing Allen's signature cosmic energy with a deep, introspective warmth. His alto sax glides gently over the composition, offering space for Cherry's ethereal presence and the bright young talents surrounding him. On the flip, the instrumental edit allows Allen's playing to shine even more, revealing his intricate phrasing and the emotional depth behind every note. It's not the explosive free-jazz chaos of Sun Ra's wildest moments but a thoughtful meditation on time, legacy and reinvention. For a musician who has always looked to the future, Allen's 'New Dawn' is both a bold continuation and a fresh beginning. A special release for a special artist.