ANTHONY BRANKER & OTHER WAYS OF KNOWING

MANIFESTATIONS OF A DIASPORIC GROOVE & SPIRIT

Origin Records

Anthony Branker, composer/musical director; Simona Premazzi, piano; Pete McCann, electric & acoustic guitars; John Hébert, double bass; Rudy Royston, drums; Steve Wilson, alto & soprano saxophones/flute; Aimee Allen, vocals.

Composer and musical director, Dr. Anthony Branker, writes in his liner notes: “Music is a reflections of culture and can be central to our understanding of otherness as it relates to social, racial and ethnic identity.”

Branker’s music is meant to tell historic stories.  His opening song, “The Children of Lyles Station” was composed as a reflection of the tragic events that unfolded in 1927, when ten African American children from the Lyles Consolidated School in southern Indiana were misled.  They were told, along with their parents, that they would receive treatment for Ringworm.  Instead, they were subjected to high doses of radiation without parental consent. These unsuspecting children, used as guinea pigs, were horribly damaged, disfigured and scarred. All of this, so scientists could see what would happen to young, healthy humans who received exposure to radiation. This was similar to the revolting Tuskegee Syphilis Study; another sneaky test used on African American men to see what the effects of letting syphilis eat away at your body without treatment. Branker did not want “The Children of Lyles Station” to be forgotten.

“Song for Marielle Franco” pays tribute to the Brazilian politician, sociologist, feminist and human rights advocate who was assassinated in March of 2018. This time, Branker employs the warm vocal tones of Aimee Allen and the saxophone of Steve Wilson to deliver his song.

His composition, “Stolen Sisters” is dedicated to indigenous women of color who have been murdered or reported missing in our society and beyond. Aimee Allen sings these lyrics:

“Time cannot erase your faces. No matter how hard it tries, you are always just before our eyes, in our hearts, on our minds forever … never forgotten.”

Anthony Branker’s newly formed ensemble, “Other Ways of Knowing” becomes a powerful, new chapter in his ongoing exploration of using music as a cultural and social narrative. His deep personal storytelling combines musical beauty with intellectual, historic depth. The stories behind this music are as shocking as the compositions themselves and are described in depth, inside the liner notes.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

Buy Us a Cup of Coffee!

Join the movement in supporting Making a Scene, the premier independent resource for both emerging musicians and the dedicated fans who champion them.

We showcase this vibrant community that celebrates the raw talent and creative spirit driving the music industry forward. From insightful articles and in-depth interviews to exclusive content and insider tips, Making a Scene empowers artists to thrive and fans to discover their next favorite sound.

Together, let’s amplify the voices of independent musicians and forge unforgettable connections through the power of music

You can donate directly through Paypal!

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Order the New Book From Making a Scene

Breaking Chains – Navigating the Decentralized Music Industry

Breaking Chains is a groundbreaking guide for independent musicians ready to take control of their careers in the rapidly evolving world of decentralized music. From blockchain-powered royalties to NFTs, DAOs, and smart contracts, this book breaks down complex Web3 concepts into practical strategies that help artists earn more, connect directly with fans, and retain creative freedom. With real-world examples, platform recommendations, and step-by-step guidance, it empowers musicians to bypass traditional gatekeepers and build sustainable careers on their own terms.

More than just a tech manual, Breaking Chains explores the bigger picture—how decentralization can rebuild the music industry’s middle class, strengthen local economies, and transform fans into stakeholders in an artist’s journey. Whether you’re an emerging musician, a veteran indie artist, or a curious fan of the next music revolution, this book is your roadmap to the future of fair, transparent, and community-driven music.

Get your Limited Edition Signed and Numbered (Only 50 copies Available)  Free Shipping Included