SAVANT RECORDS 2235 (RELEASED OCTOBER 30, 2026)
Much of the music on The Game Changer harkens back to the hard bop grooves drummer Brandon Sanders grew up hearing. His fourth release as a leader is a collection of soulful originals, straight-ahead standards, Latin-flavored compositions and an Ellington/Strayhorn classic. For the title track and “Shrimp and Grits,” Sanders assembled a group of second-generation hard boppers including, saxophonist Stacy Dillard, trumpeter Jeremy Pelt and vibraphonist Warren Wolf, joined by up-and-coming pianist Wiliam Hill III and bassist Eric Wheeler. These compositions are reminiscent of the sound of Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers. Blakey’s spirit is also evident on Sanders extended solo that opens “Sunsets in Santa Monica,” a samba-based number featuring solid contributions from Wolf, Dillard and Pelt. The relaxed groove of Pelt’s “S.M.B.” provides another perfect vehicle for the full group highlighted by some well-played unison lines from Pelt and Dillard. Dillard takes center stage on an upbeat romp through Cole Porter’s “What Is This Thing Called Love” and a lyrical rendition of “Isfahan.” Wolf gets an opportunity to shine on the 12-bar blues “James Arthur,” which Sanders dedicates to his father as well as Sanders’ slow, moody “Pamela the Queen.” Hill is not the only new voice on The Game Changer. Sanders introduces vocalist Briana Swann for a whispery interpretation of Antonio Carlos Jobim’s “Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars.” Her performance, however, is overshadowed by Dillard’s tasty obligatos and solo. She is also added on a totally out of place arrangement of the Isley Brothers’ “Footsteps in the Dark.” The term game changer generally refers to an element that significantly alters an existing activity. While the music on Brandon Sanders The Game Changer is an enjoyable listen, filled with solid arrangements and compelling solos, it is far from a game changer!
BOTTOM LINE: A former college basketball player, Brandon Sanders came to the drums at age 25 and waited to record his debut album in his 50s. The Game Changer is his fourth release of hard bop grooves in the tradition of his favorite drummer — Art Blakey.
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