Is there an act anywhere who induce as many smiles? Unlikely. Thanks to volcanic ash Sun Ra Arkestra members couldn’t leave the country, so they performed at Cafe Oto.

Spiritual moods and groove-laden blues enthralled the packed crowd, as a specially assembled 6-piece played a fourth night at the Dalston venue. Having departed to Saturn in 1993, Sun Ra left the magic to his miraculous tone-scientists, led by Marshall Allen, a member of the Arkestra for over 50 years. Filling the room the crowd ranged from toddlers to pensioners.

The first half pleased, sequins shimmering and exquisite harmonies coming from a four-pronged saxophone attack: two altos, tenor, and baritone. Marshall dazzled into the cosmos with his EVI (Electronic Valve Instrument). Amusingly titled, ‘Volcano Blues’ moved the crowd with a groove as ferocious as Marshall or Knoel Scott’s stare.

Whether the Arkestra have featured a steelpan player before I don’t know, but with a number of regular members absent, a Soca-specialist was brought in at short notice to add his weight. Uncertain on some of the bop numbers, in the up-tempo tracks he amazed. At his best after the interval, he dominated the rhythm in one song, hitting out Musique Gbáyá chant-like frequencies.

“There’s only darkness…”, Marshall sang in ‘When There is No Sun‘. Peering over his glasses, marshalling his troupe. The veteran and Knoel got so mad at other members when disagreeing with what they were playing, and so loving when they got it right. Dave Hotep, holding down bass duties on electric guitar, twice ordered to “keep the rhythm”. Wayne Anthony Smith Jr excelled when his drumming went into quick time. All the players soloed exceptionally.

Ever-energetic the band roamed around the room, getting close with the audience. As they processioned in line, Yahya Abdul-Majid directed his tenor sax towards me, memorably blasting the melody in my face. Jazz at its very best, the show rivalled any other live gig I’ve attended. The mood-enhancing musicians capping their set with a medley containing ‘Space Is The Place’.

Due to return to Cafe Oto again soon, all those in attendance must have been grateful for the Act of God, or perhaps Sun Ra, for the extra-special event.

UPDATE: The Arkestra are still unable to fly out of the UK so will be playing a fifth date Monday night at Cafe Oto. More info at www.cafeoto.co.uk.

www.elrarecords.com

Images of the shows: flickr.com/photos/cafeoto