Photos: Rudy Lu
In some ways it was a pilgrimage. Opus 40 is a stone sculpture garden in a former quarry located several miles off route 212 and down 3 miles of single lane dirt road. Parking is located in several clearings on the property, the audience walks into the site via rustic paths. Many did take the pilgrimage this year as the Sun Ra Arkestra made its third annual appearance to Opus 40. For this one, they were scheduled for 2 sold out evening performances. This year’s performance is truly a special one. Marshall Allen, who is the present leader, turned 100 years old in May. Even though he no longer tours, he does regularly perform in the tri state area
Along with being the leader, mentor and coach of this esteemed band, Marshall plays alto saxophone, gong and EWI and has been with the band since 1957.
He is the band’s 3rd leader, Sun Ra passed in 1993 and was succeeded by Marcus Gilmore until his death in 1997.
For those unfamiliar with the Sun Ra Arkestra, they are a big band that was founded and led by Sun Ra aka Herman Poole Blount. The music is inspired by Sun Ra’s belief that he was an alien from Saturn sent here to preach peace, He created an entire mythology and philosophy around this. Much of that is based on ancient Egyptian concepts. Hence the band is dressed in elaborate colorful costumes emulating the mythological creatures found on hieroglyphics.
The music is both familiar and alien. The set consisted of both Sun Ra and Marshall Allen compositions. Elements of New Orleans jazz were played, except they sounded like they were from space, much like the way Jimi Hendrix transformed the blues. The music certainly swings, but at the same time is discordant. Brazilian samba rhythms were also heard, again from another world. African electric guitar was also part of the mix. It felt like the music of the African diaspora was traveling in space.
After all, “Space is the Place” is the title of one of Ra’s compositions. Vocalist Tara Middleton was urging us to “Go Here and Go There”. Marshall Allen joined her in chanting “ Every mistake is right. Everything is wrong”. This gradually evolved into the familiar riffs of James Brown’s “Night Train”. It was exclaimed that “We travel the spaceways. From Planet to Planet”. This moved to Marshall’s composition “You Can Live Carefree” with parts of the band marching off the bandstand toward the sculpture garden as the sun was going down.
Marshall’s EWI, and Farid Barron’s synthesizers were weaving inand out of the horn arrangements. Tyler Mitchell’s upright bass stood out as well as the drumming of Wayne Anthony Smith. Tenor saxophonist Knoel Scott conducted during much of the set as well as providing vocals.
My words and photographs do not do justice to the experience. For a better idea of the music follow this link:
Most of the Arkestra’s performances are in concert halls; it is special to hear these sounds in a wooded rural performance space. Looking forward to a performance next year.
For more information on the park and the many activities and concerts, please click here.
Gallery:
