Songs My Mom Liked

The composer and director Anthony Brankar brings along an excellent cast for these fusion filled tracks that make up his 10th Origin record.

Fabian Almazan's swift keys open on "Praise", where the warm brass enters amid much flowing melody, and "Sketches Of Selim" follows with Linda May Han Oh's precise bass plucking that sets a mood of mystery and elegance.

Further along, "Land Of Milk & Honey" showcases Donny McCaslin's bright sax and Philip Dizack's soulful trumpet thanks to the strong attention to mood, while "Imani (Faith)" benefits much from Rudy Royston's agile drumming that suits the rhythmic nature of the album's best.

Close to the end, "When We Said Goodbye" illuminates Pete McCann's meticulous guitar playing a dreamy climate, and "If..." exits with rich and integrated jazz sounds that put a firm exclamation point on the collaborative affair.

Aubrey Johnson's sparing but effective vocals have to be mentioned, too, as Brankar meshes funk, spoken word, post-bop and polyrhythmic exploration into songs that moms plus anyone with an ear for jazz will admire.