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Marshall Allen

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

Marshall Allen is an American alto saxophonist from free and avant-garde jazz, born in 1924 in Louisville, Kentucky. He served in the Second World War in the 92nd Infantry Division, known as the Buffalo Soldiers, and was stationed in France. In Paris he studied the alto saxophone. In Europe he played with the pianist Art Simmons and the saxophonist James Moody. Besides the alto saxophone he plays flute, oboe, piccolo and the EWI, an electronic wind instrument.

Music and breakthrough

His name is inextricably linked with Sun Ra, with whom he played almost exclusively from 1958 until Ra's death in 1993. Outside that, he recorded in 1964 with the group of Paul Bley and in the 1960s with the group of Olatunji. After Sun Ra's death, John Gilmore first led the Arkestra, after which Allen took over the leadership in 1995. Allen is known for explosive, abrasive sound effects on the alto saxophone, a style that is also described as pyrotechnic. He said he wanted to play on a broader sound basis than just chords. Scott Yanow called his playing Johnny Hodges from another dimension. Later albums under his own name include Ceremonial Healing from 2019, Flow States from 2020 and Dancing Shadows from 2022. In 2004 he celebrated his eightieth birthday on stage with the Arkestra.

Influence

Allen keeps the cosmic legacy of Sun Ra alive. He shows that free jazz can have a collective, theatrical and almost festive character.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to the Sun Ra Arkestra under Allen and notice the abrasive outbursts of the alto saxophone above the rhythm of the group. Can you hear how chaos and ensemble playing alternate?

Discography

Studio albums

In School of Rock

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Categories: Artists