Marshall Allen, leader of the Sun Ra Arkestra, releases his debut solo album New Dawn on Feb. 14 at age 100. The album showcases his mastery of jazz innovation while introducing fresh creative directions.
Legacy meets contemporary vision
The title track featuring Neneh Cherry blends Allen’s signature avant-garde style with modern production. Produced by Arkestra member Knoel Scott and Jan Lankisch, the album brings together legendary musicians including trumpeters Michael Ray and Cecil Brooks, bassist Jamaaladeen Tacuma, guitarist Bruce Edwards and drummer George Gray.
Recorded in Philadelphia shortly after Allen’s centennial celebration, New Dawn represents both a culmination and evolution of his artistic journey. The seven-track collection explores spiritual themes and cosmic dimensions while revealing Allen’s contemplative musicianship.
Track list:
- “Prologue”
- “African Sunset”
- “New Dawn” (feat. Neneh Cherry)
- “Are You Ready”
- “Sonny’s Dance”
- “Boma”
- “Angels and Demons at Play”
World tour dates
The Sun Ra Arkestra continues their musical journey with these performances:
- Jan. 30: Princeton, New Jersey – Berlind Theatre
- March 8: Meredith, Victoria, Australia – Golden Plains Festival
- March 22: Washington – Howard Theatre
- March 28-29: Knoxville, Tennessee – Big Ears Festival with Yo La Tengo
- May 10: London – HERE at Outernet
- May 12: Mannheim, Germany – Alte Feuerbache
- May 13: St. Gallen, Switzerland – Palace
- May 15: Athens, Greece – CT Theater
With New Dawn, Allen demonstrates that creative expression knows no bounds of age or convention. The album weaves together spiritual jazz traditions with forward-thinking composition, inviting listeners to experience transformative musical innovation. His continued artistic evolution inspires fellow musicians and audiences while strengthening community through the universal language of jazz.
