The gratitude of drummer-composer Domo Branch, an in-demand rising star of contemporary jazz, is evident in many ways as on Hand of Gifts (Albina Music Trust, 2025). Artists often honor tradition, as Branch does here, while going beyond simply honoring his mentors.  Albina Music Trust, a new label to most, is a non-profit organization and full-service community archive dedicated to restoring the historically Black American neighborhood in Branch’s hometown of Portland, Oregon. On the record, Branch both pays tribute to his high school band leader – trumpeter Thara Memory – and mourns the 2024 loss of his older brother, “Peanut.”

Branch splits his time between Portland and New York City, where he has appeared with Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Sean Jones, Catherine Russell, Terence Blanchard, Stefon Harris, and many others.  Joining Branch on the album are three or his peers: charismatic bassist Russell Hall, pianist Tyler Henderson, and relative newcomer, New Jazz Underground saxophonist Abidias Armenteros.

The rousing album opener “Harlem Nights,” finds Armenterros wailing on soprano with swinging – somewhat reminiscent of McCoy Tyner – piano from Henderson as the tune celebrates the contributions of Harlem to music, art, literature, and culture. The quartet sustains its high energy with Armenteros soaring again on soprano, and Henderson sparkling in the modal piece, “Our Man Bogle.”  Composed by Memory, Branch arranged it as a take on his former band director’s voice.

The pupil, in turn, composed the lengthy “A Memory” while in Paris. The piece both reflects on early lessons from Memory and celebrates that he had attained one of his major goals of touring outside the States. Parts of the song’s melody are taken from an old video Branch found of Memory playing his trumpet before an awe-struck class. There’s a bluesy rhythm to the piece, slightly evoking the music of Horace Silver or Bobby Timmons, with pianist Henderson improvises far beyond riffing in his beaming solo. Armenteros plays with unbridled verve as well. “Big Moves” is even closer to that soul-jazz sound, with the saxophonist on tenor.

The tone shifts melancholic in  “A Letter to Peanut,” written in memoriam of Branch’s older brother. The musical love letter features Armenterros’s emotive, highly lyrical tenor and a conversational bass solo by Hall. The latter of which Branch describes as “sounds almost like talking to Peanut.” The piece moves to a feeling of hope in its second section, making it touching and memorable.

The uplifting title track swings as the quartet locks into the groove set by the quartet’s leader and Hall, allowing Henderson to explore freely in his bluesy solo while Armenterros blows robustly, late ‘50s hard bop style. The saxophonist digs even deeper, Stanley Turrentine-like, on “Blues for the World.” The track also features an outstanding turn from Hall as the pianist sits out.  Branch doesn’t solo during these pieces but does carve out “Solo Drum” to demonstrate his chops on the kit, wherein he reveals an interesting tuning of his drums. 

The spirit of thanksgiving and graciousness comes through in the inspired playing of all on Hand of Gifts. The album is a major leap forward compositionally for Branch.  Russell Hall continues to show why he is one of the best contemporary bassists. Besides, we are introduced to the talents of pianist Tyler Henderson and saxophonist Armenteros, both of whom shine.

‘Hand of Gifts’ is out now on Albina Music Trust. It can be purchased on Bandcamp.