Picture Infinity

Reviews / Votes

"It is the story of his [Marshall Allen's] leadership that is told so well, and so movingly, in this ex-tended photo essay. Her [Sibylle Zerr's] work is colourful and evocative, catching the musicians in rehearsal, on stage, and at rest. These are first-class photos of first-class musicians. Accompanying the photos are nine brief chapters detailing aspects of the band and their lives on the road, the final one profiling pianist Farid Barron, the latest Arkestra member, and exploring his motives for joining the band. Zerr is a good listener and a subtle writer, letting her subjects talk about this incredible, non-stop touring circus they are members of. Particularly interesting is how Allen comes to grips with the meaning of Ra's legacy and how, in his different way, he has built on that legacy and run the band."Simon Adams, Jazz Journal [January 2012]"The real strength of the book lies in Zerr's vivid descriptions of the Arkestra on stage and her astute comparisons between Ra's dictatorial running of the band and Allen's more accommodating-though no less focused-approach. This provides a very real sense of the Arkestra's evolution and continuing growth."Ian Patterson, All About Jazz [July 6, 2012]