The legendary Sun Ra Arkestra has once again touched down in San Francisco, commencing a highly anticipated series of live jazz SF performances at SFJazz. Known for their groundbreaking Afrofuturist jazz and captivating theatricality, the group’s return marks a significant cultural performance event, promising audiences an immersive journey into their unique sonic universe.
Led by the dynamic Knoell Scott, the Arkestra immediately transported the Miner Auditorium audience into an otherworldly realm upon their Thursday night debut. Their performance seamlessly blended classic big band swing with an avant-garde approach, creating layers of sound that both disoriented and energized. Scott himself articulated the group’s essence as a “Chicago jump band with space,” perfectly encapsulating their distinctive fusion.
The Sun Ra Arkestra emerged from the visionary mind of Herman Poole Blunt, famously known as Sun Ra, in the mid-1950s. Proclaiming his origins from Saturn, Sun Ra became a pivotal figure in the Afrofuturism movement, influencing a diverse array of artists from the funk pioneers Funkadelic to the renowned writer Octavia Butler. His mission was deeply rooted in a vision of Black utopia on Earth, translating profound political messages into intimate musical expressions.
Beyond their cosmic travels, the Arkestra maintained strong terrestrial ties, particularly with Oakland, a frequent stop between tours. During the 1970s, their connection to the Black Panther Party was notable, with the group often invited to perform at their meetings. This period also saw Sun Ra film his iconic cult classic, “Space Is the Place,” across the vibrant landscapes of San Francisco and Oakland, further solidifying their unique place in counter-cultural history.
Despite Sun Ra’s passing in 1992, the Sun Ra Arkestra has valiantly carried on his legacy, demonstrating an unyielding spark that continues to ignite audiences. The 19-person big band, a formidable force in experimental music, projects its own magnificent shadow, illuminated by the enduring brilliance of its founder’s vision. Their return to San Francisco after more than two years underscored their lasting impact on the global jazz scene.
The SFJazz engagement features a diverse program designed to showcase the breadth of the Arkestra’s repertoire. The schedule includes “Big Band Swing” on August 1st, a tribute to Sun Ra’s grand arrangements; the “Marshall Allen 101 Salute” on August 2nd, honoring the band’s centenarian leader; and culminates on August 3rd with “Space Is the Place,” described by Knoell Scott as a true “Ra initiation” for newcomers to their cosmic sound.
While the cultural performance was undoubtedly a spectacle, the audience interaction on opening night presented a curious dynamic. Despite the Arkestra’s infectious energy and unique rhythms, the “dance” floor remained largely subdued. This observation hints at the challenging nature of their experimental music, which often pushes boundaries and requires an open-minded receptiveness from its listeners.
The mantle of leadership has passed from the venerable Marshall Allen, now 101 and no longer actively performing, to the commanding presence of Knoell Scott. Scott, with his towering figure and saxophone, embodies the Arkestra’s continued evolution. His leadership ensures the band’s sound remains both true to its origins and dynamically forward-looking, capable of transforming discord into breathtakingly harmonious cascades.
The Afrofuturist jazz of the Sun Ra Arkestra seldom sounds like conventional music; it is a vibrant tapestry woven from cat-screeches, record-scratches, and cosmic chases. Yet, this deliberate dissonance serves a higher purpose, aligning with Sun Ra’s vision of jazz unconfined and unrestrained. As Knoell Scott concluded their performance, inviting the audience to purchase a “ticket to outer space,” the experience solidified as a one-of-a-kind voyage into the boundless possibilities of experimental music.
