Branker,Anthony & Word Play Forward (Towards Equality) Suite CD

For his sixth recording on Origin Records, composer Anthony Branker has enlisted a powerhouse band, featuring saxophonists David Binney & Ralph Bowen, trombonist Conrad Herwig, pianist Jim Ridl, bassist Kenny Davis, drummer Donald Edwards, conguero Renato Thoms, and vocalist Alison Crockett. Branker has created a twelve-movement extended work that is reflective of the qualities he sees as comprising the essence of America and the spirit of it's people. Another impressive and inspiring work from the pen of this thought-provoking composer."... a serious composer who does a lot more than write tunes... his music is steeped in the deeper sources of jazz." - All About Jazz

1. Preamble 2. Forward 3. Forgotten Peoples 4. Equality 5. We, the People (Part 1) 6. If We Must Die 7. Our Dreams 8. We, the People (Part 2) 9. Speak to Your Silence (Our Voices Matter) 10. Slave States 11. We, the People (Part 3) 12. Hope