Anthony Branker & Ascent “Blessings” CD on Origin Records
(2009 JazzWeek “Record Label of the Year”)
First Round Entry in the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards Balloting for “Best Jazz Instrumental Album”
Steve Wilson (alto saxophone),
Ralph Bowen (tenor & soprano saxophones),
Clifford Adams (trombone),
Bryan Carrott (vibraphone),
Jonny King (piano),
Belden Bullock (acoustic bass),
Renato Thoms (congas),
Wilby Fletcher (drums)
“Composer/arranger Anthony Branker and his ensemble Ascent follow up on the critically acclaimed release Spirit Songs (Sons of Sound, 2006) with Blessings, a spirited collection of progressive jazz. The music was composed during a residency Branker participated in at the Estonian Academy of Music where he represented the United States as a Fulbright Scholar. The recording features a first-rate cast of east coast heavy-hitters...Branker’s music relies on a strong rhythmic foundation, with Afro-Cuban inspired grooves and solo sections over energetic vamps...With a unique combination of depth and accessibility, Branker is able to put forth a jazz perspective steeped in soulful optimism.”
John Barron, All About Jazz
0 Comments:
Post a Comment