Was there ever a more astonishing career trajectory than Marshall Allen’s? Two days after his 100th birthday last year, he went into the studio to cut this, his first album as a leader, after nearly 70 years on the scene. It turns out to be a quiet triumph.

Having been a key member of Sun Ra’s Arkesta since 1958 – and its leader for the last 30 years – it’s unsurprising that the endeavour reverberates with Ra-ish Nubians-in-space vibrations. After a brief introductory meditation plucked on West African kora, the album launches into the lilting exotica of ‘African Sunset,’ with lush strings and Allen’s otherworldly wibbles on the Electronic Wind Instrument suggesting a starship lounge. The title track is a gorgeous ballad sung with sultry poise by Neneh Cherry, and Allen providing breathy flurries on alto sax.

Elsewhere, there’s a big band blues shuffle, a deep-jazz excursion with fellow Arkestra member, Knoel Scott, blowing a ragged baritone solo, a percussion-heavy African-flavoured jam and, finally, Allen’s classic ‘Angels and Demons at Play’ deconstructed as slow cosmic funk. It all adds up to a very satisfying release from a genuine hero of jazz. Let’s see if he can sneak another one out before he hits 110.