What Place Can Be for Us?

The esteemed composer Anthony Branker returns with his 8th release on the Origin label, where 10 pieces surround the idea of 'place' and how it pertains to inclusion and belonging, and he's got a large cast of players for the passionate, rhythmic affair.

"The Door Of No Return" starts the listen with Alison Crockett's expressive spoken word alongside Donald Edwards' frisky drums and Pete McCann's spirited guitar that's complemented by bright brass, and "Sundown Town" follows with Fabian Almazan's graceful piano amid the glowing sax prowess that helps texture the album highlight superbly.

At the halfway point, "We Went Where The Wind Took Us" showcases the reflective mood with a sublime dreaminess, while the title track is a louder, dynamic 8+ minutes that benefits from rock influences and is illuminated by Linda May Han Oh's strategic bass playing.

The quality of the song craft continues to the end, where "Sanctuary City" shakes and bops with an infectious energy, and "Placeless" glides with a very animated presence of free jazz exploration.

Handling the brass are Walter Smith III and Remy Le Boeuf on saxophones, and Philip Dizack brings his trumpet. Together, along with the rest of the ensemble, they make for strong interplay and a rhythmic post-bop listen which provides much insightful social commentary that's much needed in 2023.