cbsnews.com
100-Year-Old Jazz Master Continues to Tour, Promote Unique Style
Marshall Allen, a 100-year-old NEA Jazz Master Fellow, is currently touring to promote his debut solo album, "New Dawn", showcasing a unique improvisational style developed under Sun Ra, emphasizing emotional expression over technical skill; he continues to teach this approach to young musicians.
- How did Sun Ra's influence shape Allen's unique musical style and teaching philosophy?
- Allen's career reflects a lineage of influential jazz artists, starting with his early exposure to Duke Ellington and culminating in his decades-long mentorship under Sun Ra. Sun Ra's avant-garde approach, emphasizing improvisation and cosmic themes, profoundly shaped Allen's distinctive musical style and his pedagogical philosophy. His current success highlights the enduring relevance of jazz and the power of intuitive musical expression.
- What is the significance of Marshall Allen's continued musical career at age 100, and how does it impact the jazz world?
- At 100, Marshall Allen, a NEA Jazz Master Fellow, continues touring, promoting his debut solo album, "New Dawn". His unique style, developed under Sun Ra, involves improvisational additions reflecting the song's emotional impact, a style he now teaches to new musicians. He emphasizes the importance of playing intuitively, drawing from the 'spirit of the song'.
- What are the potential future implications of Allen's emphasis on intuitive musical expression for the next generation of jazz musicians?
- Allen's continued success at age 100 underscores jazz's evolving nature and the importance of mentorship in artistic development. His emphasis on playing "what you don't know" suggests a future where jazz improvisation remains central, but evolves through intuitive, emotionally driven expression rather than strict adherence to technical skill. This approach may inspire future generations to prioritize emotional resonance over technical proficiency.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The narrative is framed positively, celebrating Allen's long and successful career. The focus on his longevity and continued touring emphasizes his resilience and dedication to his art. The headline, while not explicitly provided, would likely reinforce this celebratory tone.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and descriptive. The article avoids loaded terms or subjective judgments. Words like "unique," "random," and "cosmic" are used to describe Allen's music but do not present a negative or overtly positive slant.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on Marshall Allen's career and his relationship with Sun Ra, but omits discussion of other significant influences or collaborators in his life. While this might be due to space constraints, the lack of broader context limits the reader's understanding of Allen's musical evolution.
Sustainable Development Goals
Marshall Allen's enduring career and commitment to teaching jazz music embody the spirit of lifelong learning and mentorship, crucial aspects of quality education. His emphasis on learning and pushing creative boundaries inspires future generations of musicians, aligning with the SDG target of ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.