Anthony Branker & Ascent: Spirit Songs

by Jerry D'Souza
February 4, 2006

Composer and arranger Anthony Branker shows an inclination toward the spiritual on this aptly titled effort, also tilting his pen in tributes to Miles Davis and John Coltrane. As an arranger, he has the gift of letting ensemble lines and solo spots tell their separate, but nevertheless connected stories. All of this works to the good, and given the fact that he has some insinuating rhythms that change the tack and meter, the album makes for some perky listening. Bringing ...