Release Date: 03 November 2014
Label: Origin Records
Packaging Type: Jewel Case
No of Units: 1
Barcode: 805558266324
Genres: Jazz Contemporary
Description
For his sixth recording on Origin Records, composer Anthony Branker has enlisted a powerhouse version of his Word Play group, featuring saxophonists David Binney and Ralph Bowen and trombonist Conrad Herwig.
The group also includes pianist Jim Ridl, bassist Kenny Davis, drummer Donald Edwards, conguero Renato Thoms, vocalist Alison Crockett, as well as sixteen 5th Grade students from Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary in Piscataway, New Jersey providing spoken word contributions. With music inspired by personal reflections on what America means to him as a first-generation American; what it has meant to family members who immigrated to the U.S. from the West Indies; and what it might mean to future generations of his family, Branker has created a twelve-movement extended work that is reflective of the qualities he sees as comprising the essence of America and the spirit of its people. Another impressive and inspiring work from the pen of this thought-provoking composer.
Personnel: Anthony Branker (composer & musical director), David Binney (alto saxophone), Ralph Bowen (tenor & soprano saxophones, flute), Conrad Herwig (trombone), Jim Ridl (piano & Fender Rhodes), Kenny Davis (acoustic & electric bass), Donald Edwards (drums), Renato Thoms (congas) Alison Crockett (vocals & spoken word)
Tracklisting
Xose Miguelez
Joachim Mencel, Steve Cardenas, Scott Colley & Rudy Royston
Thomas Marriott, Orrin Evans, Luques Curtis & Mark Whitfield Jr
Ted Moore Trio
Jared Hall
Meridian Odyssey
Ben Patterson, Shawn Purcell, Chris Ziemba, Paul Henry, Todd Harrison
Brent Jensen
Sultan Stevenson
John Patitucci
Tommy Whittle & Alan Barnes
Xhosa Cole
John Clayton & Mulgrew Miller
George Cables
Sylvaine Helary & Orchestre Incandescent
The Exu
