Marshall Allen - 101: An Audio Odyssey (2026)

We like to say that the stars aligned to bring this project to light, but as is always the case it is the intent and powerful energy of the musicians involved, from Jamaaladeen Tacuma to Marshall Allen and through to all of the players. What we call coincidence struck at Big Ears festival, when a last minute cancellation left the exact people that Jamaal wanted for the album with time and creative energy on their hands. Studio time was quickly booked, and Nels Cline, Immanuel Wilkins, Braxton Bateman, and King Noli brought the magic to life. Jamaal returned to Philly with the precious recordings and worked vigorously with Marshall Allen to complete the project.
This energy, this lightning in a bottle, is the essence of creativity as expressed through music. It can be dismissive of the happenings of the day, but only for a moment. In fact it is highly charged by the world and cosmos around it, channeling all of the information into what we call an album. A set of songs that sprouted and grew, improvising to meet the situation.
101: An Audio Odyssey is made possible by Third Way Cultural Alliance, an organization committed to supporting real music and developing unique ways to connect musicians and community, presenting music as art in elegant and powerful settings. Presentations that elevate the value of the art for both the listener and the artist.

Marshall Allen - Alto Sax, EWI, Kora
Jamaaladeen Tacuma - Electric Bass Guitar
Nels Cline - Electric Guitar, Electronics
Immanuel Wilkins - Alto Sax, Acoustic Upright Bass
King Noli - Drums, Keyboards
Braxton Bateman Trumpet, Piano
Malcolm Charles - Drums, Keyboards
Tara Middleton - Vocals
DM Hotep - Electric guitar
Ru-Deep - Electric Guitar
Roberto Verastegui - Keyboards & String Arrangement