Anthony Branker & Ascent with drummer Ralph Peterson, Jr.
Spirit Songs

Composer Anthony Branker’s ninth album for Origin Records is a re-release of his debut Spirit Songs project, originally issued by Sons of Sound Records in 2006. This was Branker’s first recording as a composer/bandleader writing specifically for “Ascent,” the first of his three collectives that would establish him as an important emerging writer and “a force to be reckoned with in the world of modern post-bop jazz.” Spirit Songs is a bold, spacious recording that showcases Branker’s earlier compositions rooted in modal harmonies, displaying a unique sense of lyricism and full of highly rhythmic grooves based in the world of jazz but blended with culturally diverse musical styles.

At the center of the recording is the inspired, fiery and always impactful drumming of the late, great Ralph Peterson, Jr., whom, along with trombonist Clifford Adams, Jr., this reissue is dedicated in the memory of. With saxophonists Antonio Hart and Ralph Bowen, pianist Jonny King, and bassist John Benitez, Spirit Songs marked an auspicious debut for this formidable composer whose "place in Jazz has been consistently building unique architectures that speak to the cultural reparation of allowing this art form to thrive as protest music." (33third.org)

Thank You, Ralph Peterson, Jr.

It was that spirit of joy, exploration, fire and the infectious nature of his personality that were the things that drew us all into the musical world of Ralph Peterson, Jr. and they are all so very central to his continued legacy!! Saxophonist/Educator and Thelonious Monk & Charles Mingus collaborator Paul Jeffrey had been the conductor at Princeton University when I was a sophomore there and ended up teaching in the jazz program at Rutgers University on the Livingston campus when I was taking my year off from grad school at the University of Miami. Paul saw me in the practice room one day and invited me to play with the big band there, which was filled with great players that would eventually make enormous contributions to the music.

It was my meeting and playing with Ralph Peterson along with trumpeter Terence Blanchard, trombonist Ku-umba Frank Lacy and others at Rutgers when we were all still students in 1981 that changed my life forever. Ralph greatly contributed to sculpting who I would become because of his spirit, respect for the tradition, and his desire to build upon all that came before.

When I suddenly took ill in 1999, Ralph came to Princeton to work with students as my sub (big band and small groups). I knew my students would be in the greatest of hands and they were excited because they had just worked with him as a guest artist in concert the semester before. We were also fortunate at Princeton to have him back later as a visiting artist teaching a jazz performance seminar on two other occasions. My former students still share stories of the life-changing times both in and out of the classroom when they were blessed to interact with Ralph Peterson, who demanded nothing but excellence because that is what this music that we love deserved!!

Yes, he was definitely a complicated soul, and many of us have our own Ralph Peterson stories, but simply stated, I cannot imagine myself as I am now without having had him in my life...and I know there are so many others that feel the exact same way!!

Rest In Power & Peace Eternal, Brotha Peterson. Thank you for everything you brought to our lives and for showing us the way. We will not let you down!!

Thank You, Clifford Adams, Jr.

The world lost an amazing human being eight years ago with the passing of legendary trombonist Clifford Adams, Jr., but I lost an incredibly supportive, inspiring, and caring friend. It was my honor and joy to have worked with and learn from Clifford for over twenty-five years and I will never forget his beautiful spirit, his laughter, his otherworldly musicianship, and his love for life. I truly miss the “out of the blue” phone calls I would get from Cliff just to check in, talk about music, and see what was going on in my life. I love you with all of my heart, Brotha Adams. Continue to Rest in Peace Eternal and know that we still feel your magnificent presence every day of our lives.

The re-release Spirit Songs is dedicated to Ralph Peterson, Clifford Adams, my daughters Parris and Kassandra (my angels on earth and in heaven), and to Almighty God from whom all blessings flow!!

I also want to thank my loving parents, Joan and Daniel Branker, for all of the guidance and spiritual lessons they provided me with throughout my life. The compositions “Imani (Faith)” and “In God’s Hands” were written for my Mom and late Father and underscore the most important lesson they could have ever taught me – “Always Put Your Trust and Faith in God.”