Although this CD has a picture of
Anthony Branker
holding a trumpet on its cover, the Princeton music professor does not actually play at all on this set. Instead, he contributed eight originals for the all-star sextet, music that recalls
Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers
at the time that
Wayne Shorter
was in the group, and the early
John Coltrane Quartet
. The music is
modal
-oriented, both swinging and modern, and a little derivative. Most of the selections have religious titles, but since this is an instrumental date,
Branker
's faith is primarily expressed in the passionate and spiritual solos of the musicians rather than in words. The chord changes are stimulating to the musicians even if none of the melodies are particularly memorable, and there are plenty of fine solos, particularly from altoist
Antonio Hart
and tenor saxophonist
Ralph Bowen
. All in all, this is a solid outing. Hopefully
will add his own trumpet to his next recording project. ~ Scott Yanow