Alan Braufman - Anthem for Peace (2026) Mp3 / Flac / Hi-Res

After the 2018 reissue of his mid-'70s free/spiritual jazz obscurity, Valley of Search, alto sax/flautist Alan Braufman emerged from a long hibernation with vibrant new musical conceptions, producing three albums since 2020. On Anthem of Peace, the performances are cleaner-toned and groovier than his oft-incendiary early sounds, but Braufman's post-bop melodies convey the bright freedom energy at the heart of his music. In the Lower East Side loft scene of his youth he sought new developments in music iterated by the likes of Don Cherry, Ornette Coleman, John Coltrane and Pharoah Sanders, alongside next-gen compatriots/housemates Cooper-Moore and David S. Ware. Braufman played with Carla Bley, Michael Zentner and William Hooker while releasing another couple of outside-the-box solo albums (crisp jazz pop in the '80s-'90s being almost too far outside for a '70s loft jazz vet) before turning his focus to family and work as an educator.

Since Braufman's re-emergence, his bands have reflected his brand of modernism—exploratory and affable with the ability to scratch tonally and play light funk and soul-jazz in consecutive breaths. Operating in a flexible quartet on Anthem for Peace, Patricia Brennan, Luke Stewart and Chad Taylor cue on Braufman's flowing melodies, sparkling entirely of their own volition. Acolytes of (and all who sail with) Jackie McLean, Lee Konitz and Bunky Green may find communion here. The playing is generously spaced out among players, with Brennan's vibes standing tall against Braufman's searching presence. Anthem for Peace is like a late-period entry on a whole place and time, a cheerful reminder of the contradictions that freedom encompasses.

Tracklist
1. Alan Braufman - Angels
2. Alan Braufman;Patricia Brennan;Chad Taylor;Luke Stewart - The Journey
3. Alan Braufman;Patricia Brennan;Chad Taylor;Luke Stewart - Anthem for Peace
4. Alan Braufman;Michael Wimberly;Ken Filiano;Chad Taylor;Patricia Brennan - Snow in Central Park
5. Alan Braufman;Patricia Brennan;Chad Taylor;Luke Stewart - In Motion
6. Alan Braufman;Patricia Brennan;Chad Taylor;Luke Stewart - Cosmic Blues
7. Alan Braufman;Patricia Brennan;Chad Taylor;Luke Stewart - Reflections On a Rainy Day

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