Picks
As incredible as it is, Marshall Allen has been a major innovating force in jazz music for almost as long as there’s been a market for it. And throughout all of that, he’s been a regular collaborator and co-leader of a number of ensembles (just plug his name into Bandcamp, you’ll get at least a dozen of excellent albums). So, there’s Marshall Allen the genial figure, and then there’s Marshall Allen the performer, the wily improviser and creative player whose legacy has gone down two separate but equal paths: Allen’s own, and Allen as steward of the Sun Ra Arkestra. This will be an ongoing mission for those of us who think and write about the music.
Marshall Allen’s Ghost Horizons - Live In Philadelphia (Otherly Love) Of all the recent titles, including New Dawn (more in a moment), this is the true gem. It’s Allen with a fantastic band, somewhat co-led by current Arkestra guitarist DMHotep. Not only is the group, as we say, locked in, Allen sounds in fine form. Check out the cosmic stardust vinyl!
John Blum Quartet featuring Marshall Allen - Deep Space (Astral Spirits) Brilliant, fiery set in a quartet led by pianist John Blum, with Elliot Levin and Chad Taylor. More limited-edition vinyl for all you physical media heads.
Marshall Allen - New Dawn (Mexican Summer) I said it here and elsewhere, this album is extremely fine. I’ve listened to and enjoyed it a bunch, but compared to others Allen has cut, from a music perspective, it’s good but not great. It lacks some of the looseness and passion in the live set mentioned above, and the band is of course wonderful, but there’s a restraint I didn’t expect that hampers everything slightly. If there is a second album, live or otherwise, from this extended lineup, I expect it’ll seem like the difference between Swirling, which was fine, and Living Sky, which was great.
Misc.
Our local art movie house is showing The Third Man for members only. I’m not a member, and I’ve never seen The Third Man on the big screen, so unfortunately I’ll miss this screening. But, I’ll probably play it at home sometime this week, watching it for something like the twentieth time. Of all the perfect things about this perfect film, the long take at the bitter end is remarkable.
https://meself652939566.wordpress.com/2022/07/17/space-is-the-place/
I had the great good fortune to see the wonderful Marshall Allen when he was a mere boy of 98. Just a kid with a crazy dream.
I am most grateful to you for giving this helpful guide to his music on record.
I am also lucky enough to have seen the Third Man on the big screen. My grandparents had the theme music on a 78rpm.