For the uninitiated, MARSHALL ALLEN is the bandleader of the SUN RA ARKESTRA. He has appeared on over 200 SUN RA recordings and since Ra’s death in 1993, he’s also recorded two albums with the Arkestra as the bandleader. Described as “JOHNNY HODGES from another dimension”, he had a profound influence on free jazz and avant-garde music in general. This show was his 84th birthday party, though technically he won’t hit that age until May 25th. Not only does he not look his years (he looks at least twenty years younger), but though I’d never had the privilege of seeing him play before, it sounded like time sure hasn’t tempered his playing one bit, either.
For this evening’s performance, he was paired up with WEASEL WALTER, the mainstay of the now defunct Oakland, CA band THE FLYING LUTTENBACHERS. It was absolutely incredible. For this show, Walter was on drums and Allen was on saxophone and a variety of other instruments. For instance, I spotted a keyboard and what looked like a kazoo or melodica but sounded more like a Star Wars inspired noise effect. Each performance ranged from quiet, reflective and almost meditative to short, fast bursts of dissonant noise with Allen’s sax blaring in full freakout mode and Walter (one of the most versatile drummers I’ve ever seen) sounding like he’s vying for a spot in a hyper-speed hardcore/power violence outfit like DROP DEAD.
As far as I know, there’s only one commercially available CD of Walter and Allen playing together (it’s available here) and I don’t know if this was a one-time only pairing or if they’ve played together in this incarnation before. What I do know, though, is that if you get a chance to see either of them play with anyone, don’t hesitate!
As a postscript, one audience member gave Allen a cake after the show and the crowd then proceeded to sing “Happy Birthday” to him. What a fitting conclusion to a great night that celebrated a true living legend.
The above photo was taken by SETH TISUE. You can see more of his photos here.
