A trumpeter when he's on a bandstand, Branker leaves that instrument out of the mix in these eight attractive compositions, which range around the gentler, more spiritual side of the hard-bop mode. Ensconced in academia (Princeton University and other places), Branker betrays some professorial tidiness about the layout of these compositions. The players are capable of putting kick and individual color into them, however, particularly Jonny King, the resourceful pianist, and tenor saxophonist Ralph Bowen, who pours extended excitement into his solo on the title tune as the band riffs its responses to it. Elsewhere, on soprano, Bowen's sound has a floating, ethereal sound suited to the religious significance behind Branker's writing. The rest of the band consists of alto saxophonist Antonio Hart (notable for his passion on "Mentor"), drummer Ralph Peterson (also a standout on "Mentor"), trombonist Clifford Adams and bassist John Benitez. The rapport is quite solid throughout these catchy pieces, thanks in part to the high comfort level provided by Branker's keen-eared sextet writing.

— Jay Harvey
© Nashville City Paper, February 3, 2006