Anthony Branker & Word Play
Uppity
Origin 82635
***1/2
The title of this album immediately tells the
listener they are in for a challenging listen. Anger and injustice are
strong themes in composer/conductor Anthony Branker's lengthy liner
notes and the text attached to the title track, were it to be verbalized
on the record, would likely keep it out of most people's shuffle
playlist. The backstory on Branker's compositions are essential to a complete
understanding of his intent and without that information things could be easily
misunderstood because the sounds on the primarily instrumental recording
are not nearly as frustrated. Instead, they are tight, funky performances by a
sextet that only occasionally carries the disgust being valiantly addressed.
Album opener "Let's Conversate!" bounces via Jim
Ridl's Fender Rhodes. Kenny Davis holds down a groove on electric bass as the
seamless horns dash in and out of Branker's tight formation. "Dance
Like No One Is Watching" continues that feel, intricately playing the
three horns off of each other.
The album peaks with "Across the Divide," a
driving ensemble tune led by trumpeter Eli Asher that solicits strong solo
spots from trombonist Andy Hunter and Ridl before returning to Asher’s soaring
spotlight. Drummer Donald Edwards holds it all together with intricate
maneuvers across his cymbals.
The title track opens into a free-flowing exploration that
finds a lackadaisical swing for the soloists to stretch out on. Hunter and
Asher engage in a fluttering conversation before the off-kilter melody returns
with urgency.
The biggest gap between sound and fury would
be the final track, "Ballad For Trayvon Martin." Recorded less
than six months after Martin's senseless murder, the ballad employs some
syrupy synthesized strings that detract from tenor saxophonist Ralph Bowen’s
full-bodied call. Both Bowen and Ridl take engaging and contemplative solos
that would make the closer a highlight of the album had those digital strings
been powered off.
Uppity: Let’s Conversate; Dance Like No One is Watch;
Three Gifts (from a Nigerian Mother to God); Across the Divide; Uppity; Ballad
for Trayvon Martin. (41:50)
Personnel: Ralph Bowen, tenor saxophone; Andy Hunter, trombone and
keyboards; Eli Asher, trumpet and flugelhorn; Jim Ridl, piano and Fender
Rhodes; Kenny Davis, bass; Donald Edwards, drums; Charmaine Lee, vocals;
Anthony Branker, composer and musical director.
Ordering info: www.originarts.com
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