SUN RA ARKESTRA AT NUBLU NYC: THIS SPACE IS THE PLACE
On tour and on their way back from Canada, the Sun Ra Arkestra made a stop at NYC's Nublu July 2nd for two perfromances (an early 7:00pm and a late 10:00pm show) as part of the East Village venue's 21st anniversary.
In an otherworldly convergence of cosmic jazz and avant-garde brilliance, the legendary Sun Ra Arkestra, under the masterful guidance of Knoel Scott and the ageless Marshall Allen, transported the audience on a mind-bending musical journey that included traditional big band jazz vamps, avant garde free form explorations and straight ahead virtuosity . The concert was nothing short of a transcendent experience that defied time, space, and musical conventions.
The Sun Ra Arkestra have been touring since early June but the opportunity to see a version of the full band in the intimate 200 capacity Nublu was a unique opportunity not to be missed by fans of live music. The venue in New York City’s East Village has become renowned for its dedication to fostering local talent and supporting emerging artists. Providing a platform for musicians to experiment, collaborate, and refine their craft, Nublu's unpretentious and welcomng atmosphere set the stage for an unforgettable performance, providing a sense of closeness and connection between the band and the audience.
As the lights flickered and went down an intergalactic hush fell over the crowd. The 14 musicians took their places, somehow all magically fitting on the small multi-level stage. As they began to play a big and celestial soundscape emerged from the band, free-form improvisations mingled with the sonic waves enveloping the tiny room, creating an immersive atmosphere that ignited the imagination.
The ensemble is an eclectic mix of seasoned musicians and fresh talents, seamlessly fusing traditional straight ahead jazz, 1950's big band, New Orleans blues and swing with contemporary, electric, free jazz and "out" improvisation. The rhythmic foundations laid by the interstellar drumming of the mesmerizing Elson Nascimento and Wayne Smith, and the cosmic bass lines of Tyler Mitchell formed a pulsating backbone that propelled the music forward, while intertwining with the bands horn section and the incredible mastery of keyboardist Farid Barron, all under the direction of Marshall Allen and Knoel Scott. Scott played, sang and conducted the band through a series of Sun Ra original compositions and reworked covers, while Marshall who is now 99 years old stuck to playing the EWI, a type of wind controller, an electronic musical instrument invented by Nyle Steiner. Marshall’s EWI added a modern twist and a spacey, otherworldly atmosphere to Sun Ra’s music that is firmly rooted in the jazz big band era.
The Arkestra's music unfolded like a cosmic odyssey, each composition taking the audience on a unique voyage. From the swinging nostalgia of "Hocus Pocus" to the complex rhythms of "Angels And Demons At Play", the band effortlessly transitioned between styles and moods, guided by Knoel Scott astute leadership. At times, the music swirled into chaotic dissonance, only to coalesce into breathtaking harmony, evoking a sense of order amidst the cosmic chaos.
But it wasn't just the music that enthralled the crowd; it was the theatricality of the performance that truly elevated the experience. The Arkestra's vibrant costumes, shimmering with sequins and metallic hues, turned the stage into a futuristic spectacle.
Sun Ra was a strong and demanding band leader and you could feel that same firm hand but beautiful spirit emanating through Knoel Scott as he lead the band through each composition. The highlight of the evening came during an extended improvisation that saw the band engage in a cosmic dialogue with each member of the Arkestra. The call-and-response interplay between the musicians sparked a collective frenzy of virtuosity and creative energy. The band enthralled the audience, as they witnessed an interstellar conversation, with musicians taking turns to weave their unique tale into the cosmic tapestry.
In this momentous collaboration, the Sun Ra Arkestra proved once again that their music transcends earthly limitations, inviting listeners to explore the boundless depths of the universe through sound. It was an experience that reminds music fans of the limitless possibilities of human creativity and the enduring power of music to transport us beyond the realm of the ordinary.
Sun Ra Arkestra will perform next on Sunday July 9th at Pioneer Works in Red Hook as part of the art space's Second Sundays program. The show is free and kicks off with a reading by trumpeter Ahmed Abdullah, who was a member of the Arkestra for over 20 years, starting in 1974.
https://www.sunraarkestra.com/1-main.html
Set List:
Sunology
Love In Outer Space
Queer Notions
Tapestry Of An Asteroid
Hocus Pocus
Velvet
Discipline 27
Saturn
Images
Angels And Demons At Play
Strange Celestial Road
Band Members:
Knoel Scott (as, bs)
James Stewart (ts)
Chris Hemingway (as)
Beavin Lawrence (bs)
Marshall Allen (evi)
Kevin Batchelor (trp)
Cecil Brooks (trp)
Robert Springer (trb)
Dave Davis (trb)
Farid Barron (keys)
Wayne Smith (drums)
Tyler Mitchell (bass)
Elson Nascimento (perc)
Jorge Silva (perc)
