MUSIC REVIEW BY George Harris, Jazz Weekly
Composer and musical director Anthony Branker mixes some rich harmonies with a rhythm team led by Ralph Peterson/jr/dr, John Benitez/b and Jonny King/p along with a front line of Clifford Adams, Jr/tb and the saxes of Ralph Bowen/ts-ss and Antonio Hart/as-ss. He's released other albums with bands named Imagine and Wordplay; each album is consistent in its rich harmonies, original concepts and successful mix of head and heart.
The blending of the reeds is a glorious idea, rich and bluesy on the modal "Chant For Peace Eternal" and allowing for give and take for leads by Bowen and Adams on "JC's Passion". King is featured on a pretty "In God's Hands" and fluid "Parris In April", with Hart sounding urgent on "Mentor". Peterson leads the team through a tricky "Spirit Song" that has Hart riding the wave, and some soulful trombone serves up "Imani (Faith)". Each song has its own strengths, with the album almost feeling like a musical mosaic, making a part of a whole. Well recommended for many listening.
The blending of the reeds is a glorious idea, rich and bluesy on the modal "Chant For Peace Eternal" and allowing for give and take for leads by Bowen and Adams on "JC's Passion". King is featured on a pretty "In God's Hands" and fluid "Parris In April", with Hart sounding urgent on "Mentor". Peterson leads the team through a tricky "Spirit Song" that has Hart riding the wave, and some soulful trombone serves up "Imani (Faith)". Each song has its own strengths, with the album almost feeling like a musical mosaic, making a part of a whole. Well recommended for many listening.