Scooting out of the classroom for a hot second with several of the professors under him, Whitaker gives a full album to the works of up and comer Gregg Hill who already feels like a jazz old soul. The music is rooted in civil rights jazz, which certainly has a place in these times, and is delivered in proper fashion by the pros on board. A real ear opener that's good for the... read more
Tokyo-based singer/songwriter Emi Meyer released her first U.S. album Monochrome in September with Origin Records, a Seattle-based jazz and classical music record label. For her debut U.S. recording, Emi combines music from a set recorded in Paris with Belgian pianist Eric Legnini's French quartet, and new originals recorded in Seattle and featuring guitarist Dan Balmer and pianist Dawn Clement. Born to a Japanese mother and American father, Emi... read more
The thrid release from Seattle-based Greta Matassa, who delivers her ten-song opus on "The Smiling Hour," favors a smoky, whisper-like delivery that matches the ambiance of this mostly laid-back affair, though several tracks demonstrate her considerable breadth. Matassa's stated goal is to take the listener through a "pleasant day," with bright beginnings and a reflective quietude at its conclusion. Contemporary songwriters are an obvious... read more
**** 4-Stars
Pianist Hal Galper's overhauled piano approach, which he calls "rubato," is in full effect on his latest trio outing, Trip The Light Fantastic. Galper's partners, bassist Jeff Johnson and drummer John Bishop, are perfectly suited for rubato playing, which involves stretching and manipulating tempo, form, harmony and meter. Melodies are often disguised and deconstructed, time and phrasing are morphed like... read more
If you want to make a splash with your debut jazz disc, you could hardly do better than to follow the lead of drummer Ray Levier. First, he's assembled a powerhouse band featuring some of the best jazzers out there who play their butts off. Second, his disc features some very strong compositions from his bandmates, who are all fine composers themselves, a couple attractive self-penned tunes, and one intriguing standard (Oscar Pettiford's "Blues... read more
Harmonic trio jazz Eric Jacobson Pamela York Clay Schaub - HINDSIGHT: This recent release (it hit the street officially on 20 October, 2023) is some of the most harmonic trio jazz I've ever listened to... I have little doubt you will fall in love with Eric's trumpet, Pamela's piano and Clay's bass as quickly as I did. Though this performance is from over a year ago, it will give you an intimate look at the trio's total talent style...
The... read more
****
Thelonius Monk's music-with its quirky and challenging melodies, compelling progressions and traces of humor and poignancy running through everything-is the gift that keeps on giving. His tunes, in the right hands, can sound eternally fresh. So it's no big surprise that well-traveled guitarist Bobby Broom (a regular with Sonny Rollins, Dr. John and Chicago's Deep Blue Organ Trio) is handily able to turn 10 pieces written by or associated... read more
Covering post-'60s pop hits has tripped up more than a few jazz artists, including "New Standards" man Herbie Hancock. There just isn't enough harmonic interest in most of these songs to lend themselves to open improvising. But Bobby Broom has figured out how to make this stuff hum.
On "Song and Dance," the veteran Chicago guitarist, known for his work with Sonny Rollins and Green Mill regulars the Deep Blue Organ Trio, strips down to a... read more
This is just a small collection of the Origin Records reviews. Click here to view all reviews or try to Search for your favorite CD title.
Michael Waldrop - Native Son
by Scott Yanow, Los Angeles Jazz Scene
ZurHub - Countryside Motorways
by Tom Haugen, Take Effect
Mike Pope - The Parts You Keep
by Tom Haugen, Take Effect
Ben Thomas Tango Project - The Hat with the Grin and the Chuckle
by Tom Haugen, Take Effect
Marc Seales - People & Places
by Tom Haugen, Take Effect
Harvie S - Bright Dawn
by Ken Dryden, The New York City Jazz Record
Eddie Allen and PUSH - The Rhythm
by Terrell K. Holmes, The New York City Jazz Record
Harvie S - Bright Dawn
by Francesco Spezia, UK Jazz News
Barry Greene - Giants
by Thierry De Clemensat, Paris-Move
Abate Berihun & The Addis Ken Project - Addis Ken
by Thierry De Clemensat, Paris Move