Afro-futurism pioneers, and still the greatest band in the universe, under the direction of maestro Marshall Allen, who has been leading the Arkestra since Sun Ra left the planet in 1993, have just released their first studio album in over twenty years, titled Swirling on Strut Records.

This brilliant thirteen-track recording truly celebrates the legacy of Sun Ra through great new renditions of classic Arkestra material like “Angels and Demons at Play”, “Rocket No. 9”, “Satellites Are Spinning”, “Astro Black”, “Door of the Cosmos”, and “Seductive Fantasy”, as well as a selection of lesser known gems. The album also includes Marshall Allen’s swingin’ standout composition, “Swirling”.

Recorded at Rittenhouse Soundworks in Philadelphia and produced by Jim Hamilton, the cosmic big band session represents the continuation of the multi-generational Arkestra under Allen’s guidance, which includes long-standing members Danny Ray Thompson (RIP), Michael Ray, Vincent Chancey, Knoel Scott, Cecil Brooks, Atakatune (RIP), Elson Nascimento and Tyler Mitchell. The album also features newer contributing members like guitarist Dave Hotep, pianist Farid Barron, trombonist Dave Davis, saxophonist James Stewart, drummer Wayne Anthony Smith, Jr., and the incredible soulful vocals of Tara Middleton, who also plays violin on the record.

An absolute must-own for Sun Ra fans, as well as a great introduction for those that are just dipping their toes into the cosmos for the first time. As Marshall Allen stated, “This new release is the Arkestra’s love offering to the world … Beta music for a better world.” For over half-a-century, Sun Ra Arkestra has provided healing music for the planet and the whole galaxy, and Swirling is the next great chapter in that infinite cosmic journey.

› Also check out BeatCaffeine’s 15 Most Essential Sun Ra Records.

Sun Ra Arkestra — ‘Swirling’
(Strut)

1. Satellites Are Spinning / Lights on a Satellite
2. Seductive Fantasy
3. Swirling
4. Angels and Demons at Play
5. Sea of Darkness / Darkness
6. Rocket No. 9
7. Astro Black
8. Infinity / I’ll Wait for You
9. Unmask the Batman
10. Sunology
11. Queer Notions
12. Space Loneliness
13. Door of the Cosmos / Say

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• Cosmic
• New Releases
• Spiritual Jazz