Domo Branch - Hand of Gifts (2025) [Hi-Res]

Tracklist

01. Harlem Nights
02. Our Man Bogle
03. Big Moves
04. A Letter to Peanut
05. Hand of Gifts
06. Drum Solo
07. Blues for the World
08. A Memory

Gratitude is a powerful thing: an acknowledgement of past good and the humility to thank the people who have walked before in order to make a way for each person in the present. Drummer and composer Domo Branch is deeply attuned to the reality of those who paved the path and granted opportunities for him. Splitting his time between New York City and his hometown of Portland, Oregon, Branch has quickly risen as a leading voice in contemporary jazz, blending rhythmic sophistication with an emotional depth that resonates deeply with audiences. An in-demand performer and collaborator, he has appeared with Wynton Marsalis, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Sean Jones, Stefon Harris, Catherine Russell, Terence Blanchard, Dianne Reeves, Taylor Eigsti, and many others. Now, astride his quartet of peers, Branch presents Hand of Gifts, an album united around themes of gratitude and celebration, due for release on October 31, 2025 via Albina Music Trust.

Branch describes Hand of Gifts as “a deeply personal journey through memory, movement, and tribute.” Branch seeks to use this album to give back and pay homage to his past, his community, and the broader world of jazz. A notable element of this idea of giving and acknowledgement is seen through the very label on which Branch's album releases: Albina Music Trust. Named after a historically Black American neighborhood in Portland, Oregon, the Albina Music Trust is a non-profit organization and full-service community archive that is dedicated to the restoration of this community's historic music culture. Branch's partnership with the Albina Music Trust embodies both the intergenerational vibrancy the trust upholds and the spirit of gratitude by which Branch's album is empowered.

The title Hand of Gifts is, for Branch, an acknowledgement of the gift he has received throughout a myriad of circumstances through music. “Being able to teach individuals of all races and different backgrounds, traveling the world, learning about people, and giving musical experiences has all been nothing but gifts for me,” Branch says. Playing the drums has been more than a passion or career, but has been a direct blessing upon Branch.

All of the music on this album was written during 2024 and inspired by events and experiences Branch had during that year. A year that Branch describes as “the busiest year I've ever had,” 2024 saw the drummer touring worldwide and learning the ins and outs of road life. On the other hand, this year also saw great loss for Branch as his older brother passed away. Hand of Gifts reflects the complexity of the year and Branch's decision to remain grateful for all that he has been given, despite trials.

The curation of pieces present reflects Branch's outlook of the overall album. “A Memory” is an ode to Branch's high school band director, trumpeter Thara Memory. “I wrote it while I was in Paris,” Branch says, “because I had thought to myself, ‘Wow, did I come this far to perform music? Mr. Memory wouldn’t believe this,’ and it made me think about him and the memories I have in his band.” Parts of this melody are taken from an old video Branch found from his time in high school of the director playing his trumpet before an awe-struck class, which serve as a direct ode to the lineage of those who have shaped Branch into the musician he is today.

A powerfully juxtaposed contrast, “A Letter to Peanut” was written in memoriam for Branch's older brother who passed away. An emotive, musical letter that represents the unspoken words said to those loved ones who are lost, “A Letter to Peanut” was born out of Branch's response to the deep grief he experienced. “Peanut was an incredible older brother, son, father, and husband and we lost him in the summer of 2024,” Branch says. ‘In the midst of grief I decided to write him a letter.” Branch notes that when he shared the background of this song with his band, the music transformed, especially in the bass solo, which Branch describes as “sounds almost like talking to Peanut.” Branch notes that although the piece's inception is in sadness, the song itself is not a sad song, but is a love letter to friends, family, and lost souls.

“Our Man Bogle” stands as another homage to Thara Memory. Composed by Memory, this piece was arranged by Branch as a take on the band director's direct voice. Where the former pieces acknowledge people, “Harlem Nights” gives a tip of the hat to the cultural legacy of that namesake region. Utilizing high energy and leaning into the vitality of improvisation, this piece celebrates the movement, music, and historic contributions of Harlem to the world of art, music, and beyond.

Branch's themes of appreciation continue as he speaks about the personnel on this record. The band on Hand of Gifts comprises Domo Branch (drums, composer), Russell Hall (bass), Tyler Henderson (piano), and Abdias Armenterros (saxophones). Of Hall, Branch boasts, “[Hall] is someone who shows nothing but his love for the music as well as his love for people. His contribution to the album exudes love and you can hear it in the music.” Branch's praise for Henderson is similar: “[Henderson] is always responding and yielding to the music, and he's very dedicated and always works to be better.” Armenterros has been one of Branch's longstanding friends and has walked with him musically and personally. Branch describes him as someone who can “always see the good in any and every situation. He always strives to make the best music he can, as well as allowing whatever happens to happen.”

This is Branch’s second recording. Branch’s artistry was first showcased on his 2022 self-released album We Are Made featuring vibraphonist Stefon Harris. He is also a dedicated educator, sharing his passion for music through workshops and masterclasses that inspire the next generation of artists. Whether on stage or in the studio, Branch exemplifies a commitment to pushing boundaries while staying rooted in the integrity and soul of the jazz tradition.

With Hand of Gifts, Branch has crafted a potent realization of the spirit he has sought to create. Wrought with genuineness and overflowing with a humble posture of thanksgiving, Hand of Gifts is a standout album that pays its respects and passes it forwards.

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