Manifestations of a Diasporic Groove & Spirit

I am always intrigued and interested when a composer or arranger leads a recording date without playing an instrument of the recording. Composer and
Musical Director Dr. Anthony Branker is one such composer, and he has created a recording inspired by voices and perspectives representing communities that have been overlooked or deemed unimportant. Branker's music is very modern and very composed, at times reminding me of the music of Andrew Hill, Charles Mingus, or Chick Corea. For this recording the soloists weaving through Branker's compositions are saxophonist Steve
Wilson, guitarist Pete McCann, and vocalist Aimee Allen. The rhythm section of Simona Premazzi, bassist John Hebert, and drummer Rudy Royston travel through Branker's compositions with care. Rudy Royston's name has been appearing everywhere recently, whether it's with Bill Frisell, saxophonist Noah Preminger, or pianist Lisa Hilton. He always gives the music exactly what it needs, never more and never less. He is the perfect drummer, and this is the perfect approach for Branker's music. Listen to Freedom Water March," "The Children of Lyles Station," or "Stolen Sisters." "Afro Mosaic Soul Babies" is the strongest track on the record, and also shows a funkier side of Royston, Branker, and the rest of the band.