Browse some recent Origin Reviews.
Kevin Deitz - Skylines
by Jerome Wilson, Cadence
On Skylines bassist Kevin Deitz leads a number of small combos that alternate between straight ahead Jazz and more rhythmic Latin numbers. On the straight side Deitz compositions like "Uncle Ray" and "Sunny Side Up" are slinky Bop heads that let soloists like Paul Mazzio, Renato Caranto, and Tony Pacini shine. Mazzio's and Caranto's slow-swinging two horn attack on " Sunny Side Up" is a particular highlight and "New Beginnings" and "Romance... read more
Paul Ricci - The Path
by Editor, Modern Drummer
There are a very few drummers whose inclusion will make me pick up a recording, Steve Jordan is one of them. The fact the Jordan, Anthony Jackson, and Manolo Badrena (three fourths of Steve Khan's famed Eyewitness band) play together on three tracks of this record make it instantly appealing to me. Throw in a tune featuring one-time Fela drummer Jojo Kuo, and one tune with Brazilian drummer Jurim Moreira, and you have an attractive rhythmic... read more
Rich Thompson - Less Is More
by Jack Goldstein, Blogcritics.org
Less is More, Rich Thompson?s sequel to last year?s trio album Generations, has the drummer following the same general formula in the choice of material, but now working with a larger ensemble. Straightforward modern harmonies, driven by dynamic percussion, applied to a mixed repertoire of jazz classics interspersed with a few original pieces is the recipe. Like they say, if it?s not broken, don?t mess with it.
Thompson, a music educator who... read more
Rodney Whitaker - Mosaic: The Music of Gregg Hill
by Michael van Gee, Jazz'N'More (Switzerland)
4-STARS The outstanding bassist Rodney Whitaker (*1968 in Detroit) presents "Mosaic," his fourth album, following "Common Ground" (2019), "Outrospection" (2021), and "Oasis" (2023), featuring compositions by Gregg Hill from Michigan. He performs with an illustrious quintet, as well as Rockelle Whitaker, the bassist's daughter, who contributes vocals to three tracks. Gregg Hill's compositions, all arranged by Rodney Whitaker, are... read more
The Jazz Police - The Music of Daniel Barry
by Dave Nathan, All Music Guide
The Jazz Police are made up of musicians who see their task as creating and promoting modern big band music. For their second album for Origin, leader James Rasmussen has selected the music of one of the band's trumpet and flugelhorn players, jazz educator Daniel Barry. Drawing upon musicians from the fertile and active Northwest U.S. jazz scene, the group has 18 members plus four players added for certain tracks. Barry made a trip to Brazil... read more
EEA - The Dark
by Ken Dryden, Rovi, iTunes
EEA are a trio of jazz faculty members at the University of Nevada, Reno, consisting of saxophonist Peter Epstein, trumpeter Larry Engstrom, and pianist David Ake. The lack of additional rhythm instruments gives the players both plenty of freedom and responsibility, which they handle well. The trio's three group improvisations stand out with potent interplay, with the first sounding as if it could be used as a film soundtrack. Ake composed... read more
Joonsam - A Door
by Dave Sumner, Bird is the Worm
There's an unconventional dichotomy of sharp orchestration and quirky eccentricity on this debut from bassist Joonsam Lee. But even in this, it's a little different, as A Door is just as likely to flash some fangs as craft a catchy melody aimed at eliciting a smile and spurring the foot into action. That added dose of the unexpected is a big attraction for the recording, and it's why the likelihood of developing a minor addiction... read more
John Bishop - Nothing If Not Something
by Tom Morgan, Percussive Notes
This recording is the result of an over ten-year association between drummer John Bishop, bassist Jeff Johnson and saxophonist Rick Mandyck. This piano-less trio, while somewhat reminiscent of Elvin Jones' groups, has developed an original sound and approach. Playing without a harmonic instrument requires a high level of communication and a strong harmonic foundation that is aptly provided by Johnson. His big, rich sound is always secure and... read more
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