April 12–19, 2001
six pick
Marshall Allen
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Biographer John Szwed wasn’t kidding when he called Marshall Allen "the most devoted musician Sun Ra would ever have"; the conservatory-trained alto saxophonist/oboist/flautist has been a key player in the Arkestra since the mid-’50s, only rarely pursuing other projects. Yet Allen’s sound hardly suggests the musical personality of a sidekick. His searing tone and full-bore intensity place him in step with such titans as Ornette Coleman and Albert Ayler — although it should be noted that Allen is stylistically beholden to neither. Rather, Allen has carved his own niche; he’s as comfortable playing inside as out, and can express both lyrical sentiment and emphatic atonal cries (often in short succession). Now 76, Allen is still a vital force; check out his guest appearance on Medeski, Martin and Wood’s The Dropper (Blue Note). Better yet, catch him in person this week, at the helm of his own powerful sextet.
Mon., April 16, 8 p.m., Houston Hall, 3417 Spruce St., free.
