With support from Leftfoot DJs
Born in Birmingham, Alabama in 1914, the late Sun Ra was one of the greatest (and arguably least known) jazz artists, whose influence continues to be felt across musical genres. Lady Gaga, Solange, Sonic Youth and Yo La Tengo are just some of the contemporary artists who’ve referenced Ra.
A pianist and band leader, his style ranged from retro swing to avant free – often in the same piece. His band could play a swinging Gershwin tune and almost imperceptibly soar into their free cosmic equational tones as if they possessed a single mind.
Following the ascension of Sun Ra in 1993, and John Gilmore in 1995, the position of Arkestra Musical Director has been assumed by saxophonist Marshall Allen.
A member of the Arkestra for 60 years (20 years longer than Sun Ra himself), Marshall continues to be committed to the study, research, and development of Sun Ra’s musical precepts and has launched the Sun Ra Arkestra into a dimension beyond that of mere ‘ghost’ band by writing fresh arrangements of Sun Ra’s music, as well as composing new music and arrangements for the flamboyant Arkestra. He works unceasingly to keep the big-band tradition alive.
Jazzlines presents Sun Ra Arkestra, plus Leftfoot DJs, at Birmingham Town Hall, on Wednesday 4 April 2018. For more information and tickets, see: www.thsh.co.uk
LISTINGS:
Jazzlines presents:
Wednesday 4 April 2018
Sun Ra Arkestra
Plus Leftfoot DJ set
Town Hall, Victoria Square, Birmingham, West Midlands B3 3DQ
7.30pm
£22.50- £26 inc. per ticket commission
Box Office: 0121 780 3333
www.thsh.co.uk
ASSETS / MORE INFORMATION:
For more information on Sun Ra Arkestra, see: www.sunraarkestra.com
Twitter: @SunRaUniverse
Sun Ra, A Joyful Noise (documentary):
https://vimeo.com/66538788 | https://vimeo.com/78508814
Sun Ra on Bandcamp (archive and rare releases): sunrastrut.bandcamp.com
For more information on Jazzlines, see: www.thsh.co.uk/jazzlines
For more information on Leftfoot DJs, see: www.leftfootevents.co.uk/about-us/
For press/ media images and more information relating to Jazzlines and this concert, contact us:
Four Four Eight 