Trumpeter, bandleader and composer Anthony Branker’s music is more jazz-based, but no less adventurous, particularly when played by a band with the pedigree of the group called Ascent. Spirit Songs (Sons of Sound) has eight outstanding pieces, with Branker’s writing at one point or other highlighting each member of the sextet, with Ralph Bowen especially animated on tenor, Antonio Hart splendid on alto and soprano, and trombonist Clifford Adams’ spreading out and showing his jazz chops on “Imani (Faith).” Pianist Johnny King makes several nice introductory statements and generally good solos, and the bass/drums tandem of John Benitez and drummer Ralph Peterson also ably handle their end. Other top songs include “Parris in April” and “J.C.’s Passion,” but this is just as much a showcase for Branker’s writing, which sports a pronounced Messengers’ influence both in instrumentation and pace, as for the solo skills of the musicians.

— Ron Wynn
© Nashville City Paper, February 3, 2006