Description

Legendary saxophonist James “Plunky” Branch delivers the first international release in over 30 years with Made Through Ritual, a historic collaboration between Plunky’s son Jamiah “Fire” Branch and Jamal Gray, son of late Black Fire Records co-founder Jimmy Gray. This groundbreaking album comes full circle from the 1975 founding of Black Fire Records and the debut African Rhythms, now exploring the art of deconstruction and reconstruction in music through sampling, sequencing, and live improvisation merged with multi-track recording.

Opening with the meditative soul chant “Share This Love” voiced by longtime collaborator Charlayne “Chyp” Green, the album unfolds into jazz vignettes including the title track, “In Due Time,” and “Free Spirit,” concluding with “Children Of The Drum”—a powerful celebration of Black culture and legacy through poetry. Released on Strut Records with specially commissioned cover artwork by contemporary Ivorian artist Maxime Manga, Made Through Ritual represents an important new chapter in the Oneness story and will be supported by European tour dates during Autumn and Winter 2025.

Order the vinyl or CD and witness the remarkable vision of Plunky, whose ritualistic expression of creativity continues to transform and inspire after five decades of musical innovation.