TMG

Music critics have hailed legendary saxophonist James “Plunky” Branch as a vanguard of Afro-centric jazz – curating a myriad of musical forms from funk and R&B to house and go-go into a progressive message of empowerment, positivity, and cultural awareness. For over 50 years as a performer, bandleader, songwriter, and producer of film and music Plunky has shared his artistry – releasing 30 albums during his illustrious career. 

His group, Plunky & Oneness (of Juju), has shared stages with some of the biggest names in music, including, Earth Wind & Fire, Patti Labelle, Ray Charles, Yellow Jackets, Frankie Beverly & Maze, LL Cool J and Chuck Brown along with notable musicians ranging from Pharoah Sanders, Ornette Coleman and Gil Scott Heron. From the Lincoln Center to London’s Jazz cafe, Plunky is known worldwide. His international fan base has given him the opportunity to perform in front  of  audiences all over Europe and Africa with enthusiasts for his music from the US to Japan.

In the 80’s his song “Every Way But Loose” was a top-ten soul music chart hit in London. His US released hit instrumental single, “Drop,”, originally released in 2006, was re-released as an NFT this year on the Pianity.com website. Music from his vast catalog has been sampled by an array of notable hip-hop artists including J Cole, KRS One, Big Pun and J Dilla, appeared in commercials for Ciroc and New Balance and featured by The Roots band live on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.

Plunky is a two time recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Fellowships.  As an educator and lecturer, his topical dialogue ranges the history of black music, jazz, the business of music, music and technology, race and politics and endless stories and insights from his career and life experiences.