Anthony Branker

“Honing a hybrid of freewheeling post-bop and social commentary, abetted by judicious dollops of funk, fusion, spoken word, clave and polyrhythmic percussion…Branker incorporates these elements in broad, bold strokes, like a muralist. He has yet to make a bad record” — JazzTimes

“With a unique combination of depth and accessibility, Branker is able to put forth a jazz perspective steeped in soulful optimism.” —All About Jazz

“Anthony Branker is rising to the top of American jazz composers…a force to be reckoned with in the world of modern post-bop jazz” —Sea of Tranquility

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“Honing a hybrid of freewheeling post-bop and social commentary, abetted by judicious dollops of funk, fusion, spoken word, clave and polyrhythmic percussion…Branker incorporates these elements in broad, bold strokes, like a muralist. He has yet to make a bad record” — JazzTimes

“With a unique combination of depth and accessibility, Branker is able to put forth a jazz perspective steeped in soulful optimism.” —All About Jazz

“Anthony Branker is rising to the top of American jazz composers…a force to be reckoned with in the world of modern post-bop jazz” —Sea of Tranquility

“The composer (Branker) illuminates the pungent individuality of each musician without compromising the prominence of his own voice…Beauty Within presents a dense, blinding musical landscape - not revolutionary, but certainly brilliant” —JAZZIZ

“Anthony Branker is crafting some of today’s finest compositions…” —All About Jazz

“Branker's music relies on a strong rhythmic foundation, with Afro-Cuban inspired grooves and solo sections over energetic vamps…With a unique combination of depth and accessibility, Branker is able to put forth a jazz perspective steeped in soulful optimism.” —John Barron, All About Jazz

“Composer/arranger/trumpeter/mentor Anthony Branker is one of those gurus who, although he has appeared in the spotlight as a leader or co- collaborator with various big names, has made his most lasting mark as an educator and composer… (he) has proven to be an inspiration to many known and unknown musicians...Spirit Songs is Branker’s all-cards-on-the-table look at his compositional being, a deeply spiritual individual who uses his faith to imbue his art for eight compelling compositions. This emotive, yet accessible and celebratory set favors cunning ensemble interplay…With a diverse set of compelling compositions and an inspired ensemble, Spirit Songs could easily be considered a breakout record for Branker…there is a depth and beauty that bears fruit with each investigation...Bravo, Mr. Branker, may you continue to create and inspire.” —One Final Note

“The best works for small groups are often the ones whose written passages set up...the most inspiring moments. Trumpeter Anthony Branker understands this, and so his Spirit Songs is a blowing showcase…” —Down Beat

“Here, we find six veteran performers who interpret Branker’s modern mainstream material with flair. Each piece provides a lovely balance of melody and harmony over a substantially fluid rhythm. All the essential elements are there...Cohesion seems to be the byword of the session, as everyone works together as if they’ve known each other since early childhood. That kind of performance can only come through proper preparation, which is the teacher’s forte. The end result, of course, is his ultimate reward...Spirit Songs proves that music coming from the heart will always provide a welcome setting when brought together in a cohesive community.” — Jim Santella

“Ascent clearly reveres Branker and his heartfelt compositions; these are jazz songs you’re meant to feel, with the kind of transcendent, emotional solos that even non-jazz fans can sense contain something special.” —Audiophile Audition

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Primary Instrument

Composer / conductor

Location

Trenton

Willing to teach

Advanced only

Credentials/Background

Dr. Anthony D.J. Branker held an endowed chair in Jazz Studies, was Founding Director of the Program in Jazz Studies, Director of University Jazz Empembles, and served as Associate Director of the Program in Musical Performance at Princeton University, where he taught for 27 years. He directed an extensive list of ensembles and taught courses in jazz theory through improvisation & composition, jazz performance practice in historical and cultural context, jazz composition, the evolution of jazz styles, and the improvising ensemble. He has served as a U.S. Fulbright Scholar and visiting professor at the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre in Tallinn, Estonia and has also been a member of the faculty at the Manhattan School of Music, Rutgers University Mason Gross School of the Arts, Hunter College of the City University of New York, Ursinus College, and the New Jersey Summer Arts Institute. Dr. Branker was visiting composer at the Southern Danish Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts in Odense/Esbjerg, Denmark; Hochschule für Musik und Theater in Hamburg, Germany; the Estonian Academy of Music & Theatre; and for the Socrates/Erasmus Intensive Programme in cooperation with the European Union, the Association of Baltic Academies of Music, and the Estonian Academy of Music & Theatre.

Clinic/Workshop Information

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Primary Instrument

Composer / conductor

Location

Trenton

Willing to teach

Advanced only

Credentials/Background

Dr. Anthony D.J. Branker held an endowed chair in Jazz Studies, was Founding Director of the Program in Jazz Studies, Director of University Jazz Empembles, and served as Associate Director of the Program in Musical Performance at Princeton University, where he taught for 27 years. He directed an extensive list of ensembles and taught courses in jazz theory through improvisation & composition, jazz performance practice in historical and cultural context, jazz composition, the evolution of jazz styles, and the improvising ensemble. He has served as a U.S. Fulbright Scholar and visiting professor at the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre in Tallinn, Estonia and has also been a member of the faculty at the Manhattan School of Music, Rutgers University Mason Gross School of the Arts, Hunter College of the City University of New York, Ursinus College, and the New Jersey Summer Arts Institute. Dr. Branker was visiting composer at the Southern Danish Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts in Odense/Esbjerg, Denmark; Hochschule für Musik und Theater in Hamburg, Germany; the Estonian Academy of Music & Theatre; and for the Socrates/Erasmus Intensive Programme in cooperation with the European Union, the Association of Baltic Academies of Music, and the Estonian Academy of Music & Theatre.

Clinic/Workshop Information

creating in collaboration; modal jazz composition, group composition & improvisation; big bands; small groups

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