Brandon Sanders - The Tables Will Turn

A prominent figure in Harlem's live scene, Sanders has established himself as a respected and steady voice in the genre — a position he attributes to the influence of his grandmother, Ernestine Parker. Her support shaped his creative journey; she owned a jazz club in Kansas City, hosting icons like Jimmy Smith, Grant Green and Lou Donaldson. It wasn’t until Sanders was playing one of Donaldson’s records in her presence that he fully learned of his grandmother’s deep connection to jazz and the legacy she passed on to him.

Paying tribute to his grandmother’s establishment as well as the many legends who graced its stage on opener ‘Miss Ernestine’, Sanders’ newest album dives into the essence of modern jazz with its strong textures and emotive energy. With his precise, expressive drumming at the forefront, the recording pushes the bandleader’s music in fresh directions, seamlessly blending rhythm and melody to capture listeners from the first percussive beat. Sander’s thoughtful, refined touch brings cohesion to the album, enabling a classic bebop piece like ‘Moose the Mooche’ to rub shoulders inconspicuously with Michael Jackson’s ‘Human Nature’ — a contemporary standard in its own right. This careful balance highlights the ensemble’s skillful approach, especially in their interpretation of Charlie Parker’s rhythm changes contrafact, which they infuse with both reverence and refreshing vibrancy. 

The native Comptoner’s artistry and innovation are further highlighted by the impressive lineup of collaborators, who collectively create a sound that’s both intricate and profoundly resonant. David Wong’s steady, grounding bass lines lay a powerful foundation, while Warren Wolf lays down a full-bodied vibraphone display that captures the richness of each note. Meanwhile, guest vocalist Christie Dashiell’s smooth, resonant voice brings warmth and a nuanced emotional layer to ‘Human Nature’ and Duke Ellington’s ‘Prelude to a Kiss’. Filling the esteemed guest role previously held by Jazzmeia Horn, her vocal contributions flow through the album like a melodic thread, enhancing the recording’s emotional pull and providing an intimate counterpoint to the instrumental intensity. This partnership between the drummer and Dashiell, as well as the other ensemble members, generates a chemistry that is both palpable and mesmerising, making the listening experience immersive and richly layered with meaning.

Each track on The Tables Will Turn unfolds like its own story, with Sanders steering the band through a well-curated selection of compositions that shift from mellow and reflective to lively and intense. This ear-pleasing mix is more than just a series of individual takes, however; it's a thoughtful narrative that honours the spirit of jazz — a genre that Sanders is firmly connected to, in part due to the legacy of his grandmother, who filled her jazz club with the sounds of legends. Her influence is palpable, guiding her grandson as he offers listeners a perspective on jazz that is both fresh and rooted in tradition.

With this album, Sanders invites his audience into a dynamic journey that encourages them not only to listen but to feel, contemplate and celebrate jazz's transformative power as it is passed down from generation to the next.  

Barney Whittaker

from www.prestomusic.com