The fact that Marshall Allen is 100 years old and making his debut album in 2025 is utterly mind-blowing. I assumed that he must have released a few solo albums considering his pedigree as a member and eventual leader of Sun Ra’s big band. This album is a lush affair, crowned by having Neneh Cherry sing the title track in a tone that brings to mind the Charles Mingus classic, Weird Nightmare.
This is as fine a debut as I’ve ever heard. May Marshall make a few more before he returns to the Mothership.
Marshall Allen – New Dawn
