Sun Ra Arkestra leader Marshall Allen has released his debut solo album, New Dawn. Stream it below.
Made with lifelong friend and fellow Arkestra member Knoel Scott, the new album spans seven tracks and features an appearance from Neneh Cherry on the previously released title track. If you prefer a physical copy, it’s also available on CD or vinyl.
Recording on the project started in May 2024 — just days after Allen’s 100th birthday — resulting in what’s described in a press release as “a love letter to spacetime that channels a century of musical transience and transcendence.”
“Knoel’s energy became the driving force behind the project,” producer Jan Lankisch shared in a statement. “He knew Marshall better than anyone, and his deep understanding of Marshall’s compositions guided the selection of material for the album.”
To support the album, Allen has booked a pair of shows on April 5th at Brooklyn’s Roulette and April 9th at World Café Live in Philadelphia.
New Dawn Artwork:
New Dawn Tracklist:
01. Prologue
02. African Sunset
03. New Dawn (feat. Neneh Cherry)
04. Are You Ready
05. Sonny’s Dance
06. Boma
07. Angels and Demons at Play