Last spring, Philadelphia’s Marshall Allen turned 100, and not long after, the driving force of the Sun Ra Arkestra embarked on his latest project — the recording of his first-ever solo album.
This week, the saxophonist and band leader shard details of that new project: it’s called New Dawn, it comes out February 14th on Mexican Summer, and it features a collaboration with vocalist and singer-songwriter Neneh Cherry on the title track.
A gorgeous music video for that song is out now that follows Allen as he begins his day at Germantown’s historic Sun Ra house, rides to the recording studio, and joins an ensemble of horn and string players to track the graceful, flowing single.
Cherry’s vocals on the track are atmospheric and spiritual, circling like a mantra on the lyrics “Glistened with rays of the sun / Fashioned sure / Pure out of the one / Arise and seek / Hear spirit speak / New Dawn is waiting for you.” At the video’s close, the work day done, Allen looks smiling in the camera, repeating the final line.
New Dawn can be pre-ordered now; another song from the album, “African Sunset,” is also available to hear via streaming platforms. The track list also features songs from the Arkestra’s catalog, including “Boma” and the iconic Sun Ra piece “Angels and Demons at Play,” and pays homage to its cosmic leader with “Sonny’s Dance.”
Marshall Allen’s Ghost Horizons returns to Solar Myth in South Philadelphia on January 24th; tickets and more information can be found at the WXPN Concert Calendar.
