An interview with Elson Nascimento of the Sun Ra Arkestra

Image credit: Manfred Rinderspacher

A lifelong project of artist and philosopher Sun Ra, the world renowned Arkestra is touring for its 60th anniversary. Today the band is led by 91 year old Marshall Allen, a long time collaborator and alto jazz saxophone player who's equally adept across a range of instruments.

One of his touring compatriots is percussionist Elson Nascimento, a Brazilian who joined the band in 1988. Ahead of the Sun Ra Arkestra stopping by at Band On The Wall in April, Joshua French spoke to Elson about the Arkestra past and present. 

How were you first introduced to Sun Ra's music? Was a knowledge of his music crucial when you were introduced to the Arkestra in 1988?

'I was introduced to Sun Ra and his music by Teddy Thomas who was a performer with the band. At the time I was playing with a Brasilian band and Sun Ra's music and philosophy was new to me.

Sun Ra invited me and a couple of other Brasilians to perform with him, and after that I got more involved. Over time Sun Ra included me in carrying out some of the Arkestra's responsibilities.'

Was it a difficulty joining a group with established players like Marshall Allen, Charles Davis and others, who had played with some of the all-time greats, or did you find it easy to fit in with the long-standing Arkestra members?

Sun Ra had a history of including new people and ideas into the make-up of the band, and I was welcomed by some of the great musicians who made up the band at that time.'

Looking back through the vast Sun Ra discography, do you have any favourite periods of work, or perhaps a favourite album? 

Not really a favourite, the music has always been evolving, under Sunny and now under Maestro Marshall Allen.

Afrofuturism was a strong theme than ran through Sun Ra's work, and he is still referenced when the topic is discussed today. How did his philosophy inform the music the group made?

The theme of his music has always been relevant to the human condition.

Many members of the Arkestra have been the bandleader over the years, and you have had a major organisational role in the Arkestra. Would you one day like to assume the role of Arkestra leader, should the chance arise?

We have a very strong band-leader and positive direction under Marshall Allen's leadership, and I hope to continue to play a role.

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Sun Ra Arkestra play at Band On The Wall on Friday 15th April - Tickets available via the box below