To Marshall Allen
Director of the Sun Ra Arkestra, on his 99th Arrival Day
To Maestro Marshall Allen on his 99th arrival day
As Sun Ra taught us, our first day on earth is our arrival day. And I greet you beloved maestro in for your epic presence right here on earth. As sure as Sun Ra sees us from Saturn, our art, must illuminate, celebrate and liberate. Your songbook continues the call to “Travel the Spaceways.” You carried on that bright light pointing from Earth into Space. The voyage is from the bondage of what is to what must we be. This sage of the spaceways commands the stage and there’s the message to be heard. The Arkestra is ready and begins the journey. Your alto saxophone is blown and I hear fanfares for beyond. Your electric wind* concludes our journey for the evening - sounds of space magnificently poetic!
Happy 99th arrival day, beloved! And many more on the road - space bound!!!
*EVI (electronic valve instrument), an analog wind synth