As a listener, Anthony Branker is no stranger to sound of the heart. As a composer his trained inner ear is always tuned into the rhythms of the heart. It is not that intellect and logic do not play a part in what he writes; it's just that his guiding light from which all music flows is the Almighty and God speaks to all men in the energy of the heart. For Branker his ear is tuned to interpret what's written on the blank slate; the - tabula... read more
Listening to Thomas Marriott's Constraints & Liberations, two things are abundantly clear: Marriott spent some serious time studying Miles Davis' second great quintet; and, his own voice on trumpet is developed well enough to make it sound like a strong, easily recognizable influence, but not plagiarism. Naturally, favorable comparison to the one of the greatest standing outfits in the history of jazz is intended as a compliment.
The... read more
The Western Jazz Collective is a seven-member co-op group that actually hails from America's Midwest—more specifically, Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo—where the ensemble's crew serve as members of the faculty. The designation "Western" thus refers to the university rather than the septet's geographic location.
Be that as it may, what infuses and animates the Collective's debut album, Dark Journey, is the music, all of... read more
The always impressive drummer John Bishop brings his inimitable sound to these 9 creative jazz tracks that welcome Piet Verbist and Bram Weijters.
The distinct tone of "Rücksichtslos" begins the listen with Bishop's innovative drumming alongside Weijters' flowing piano in the melodic climate, and "Trip The Light Fantastic" follows with more firm keys suiting the meticulous drum progressions.
Further along, the louder "Bull" allows... read more
Even when not orbiting the solar energy field ruled by his longtime boss, Sonny Rollins, guitarist Bobby Broom generates much warmth and power while presiding over his own musical universe.
"Song and Dance," in fact, is a fine reminder that Broom, a consummate sideman with such heavyweights as Rollins and Dr. John, is also a capable leader. Most especially so with his tightly knit trio, which co-features bassist Dennis Carroll and drummer... read more
New York trumpeter, Eddie Allen, leads this ensemble he calls PUSH through a baker's dozen of tunes, including ten original compositions. The album title "Rhythm People" says it all. The arrangements splash on the scene with mad rhythms. They push the title track ahead in 6/8 time, adding an African flair to the arrangement. A quarter of the way through, the PUSH ensemble changes the groove to a bluesy 4/4 Straight-ahead feel, letting Eddie... read more
This release led by the Israeli-born, now New York-based pianist and bassist was much anticipated. They are masters of their instruments in addition to being talented arrangers and composers. One of the highlights of this disc is the superb engineering and mixing focusing on and highlighting their contributions, particularly the capturing of Khaimovich's Eddie Gomez-influenced bass. His multiple solos are magnificent, as is his driving... read more
If you are looking for a single collection of fresh, new, groove-based tunes and are a fan of jazz, funk, and rock, look no further than "The Way of the Groove." Ben Patterson, a master trombonist, composer, arranger, and former long-serving member of the Airmen of Note, brings forth a delightful album with his latest release. Featuring all original compositions and an outstanding band, listeners are sure to savor this exciting new... 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.
Abate Berihun & The Addis Ken Project - Addis Ken
by Hanna Kay, Cult News (Paris)
Abate Berihun & The Addis Ken Project - Addis Ken
by Budapest, Rudolf Radnai
Abate Berihun & The Addis Ken Project - Addis Ken
by Editor, Bman's Blues Report
Jared Hall - Hometown
by Editor, Bman's Blues Report
Dawn Clement - Dear Ms. Dearie
by Editor, Bman's Blues Report
Jared Hall - Hometown
by Dee Dee McNeil, Making A Scene
Affinity Trio - New Outlook
by Tom Haugen, Take Effect
Michael Dease Big Band - Return Trajectory
by Thierry De Clemensat, Paris Move
Brad Goode Quintet Feat. Ernie Watts - Live Your Dream: Live at North Street Cabaret
by Thierry De Clemensat, Paris Move
Maja Jaku - Blessed & Bewitched
by Tom Haugen, Take Effect