Browse some recent Origin Reviews.
Michael Zilber - Originals for the Originals
by Chris Spector, Midwest Record
In which we find the sax ace going full metal daddio playing tribute to 7 of his sax heroes with originals that have some manner of sly reference to the original daddios. A high octane, swinging set, this is sure to reach the inner recidivist daddio in any jazzbo that wants to jump on board the eternal groove to Groovesville. Snazzy stuff throughout, this is one of those dates that assures a good time will be had by all. Well... read more
Joe Locke / Geoffrey Keezer Group - Live In Seattle
by Jason West, All About Jazz
As can be the case on special occasions, this live recording is ripe with sonic excitement, spontaneity, and the ubiquitous impression that something extraordinary is happening right before one's ears.
That undoubtedly was the feeling of those who filled the Mars Hill Church on November 19, 2005 for the third annual Ballard Jazz Festival's headline concert. The wow factor, in full force at the start of the show, had morphed into an... read more
Michael Waldrop Big Band - Time Within Itself
by Jack Bowers, All About Jazz
4 1/2 STARS Drummer Michael Waldrop has named his inaugural album as leader of a big band Time Within Itself. An even more appropriate name might have been It's About Time. Waldrop, who has taught for the past decade or so at Eastern Washington University, boasts a resume as long as one's arm. It includes a master's degree from the University of Memphis and a doctorate from the University of North Texas where he was a member of the... read more
PJ Newman - The Hand Of Dog
by Craig Matsumoto, KZSU
Jazzy sax solos over odd synth soundscapes. Newman starts with sampled sounds and synth washes, overlaying a concretely jazzy soloist -- often Jessica Lurie, a saxophonist with an adventurous but accessible style (check out her pop/fusion band, Living Daylights). A mix of thoughtfulness and fun jamming.
This doesn't apply to Track 5 (see below).
1- Slow, pretty sax tones
2- Bright sax wanderings over synthy soundscape. Cool hand drums... read more
Christopher Icasiano - Provinces
by Rick Olivares, ABS-CBN
"Meet Chris Icasiano, the Fil-Am drummer of indie pop band Pure Bathing Culture"
MANILA -- Filipino-American indie rock legends Versus, out of New York City, have created a buzz with the release of a new extended play album and full length album -- "Ex Nihilo" and "Ex Voto," respectively -- over the past few months after keeping quiet for almost a decade.
Also making some noise in the American music scene is Fil-Am drummer Chris Icasiano... read more
Roxy Coss - Restless Idealism
by Dick Metcalf, Improvijazzation
What sets Ms. Coss apart from all the other sax players is her (almost) relentless pursuit of originality, and this ten-song release is nothing but Coss originals! You'll "get the sonic picture" as soon as you catch the first eight (or so) bars of her opening tune, "Don't Cross the Coss"... & what you will hear, above all else, is that she doesn't need to "try" too hard... her playing style is totally natural & jammed full of life. I first... read more
Doug Beavers 9 - Two Shades of Nude
by Ric Bang, Jazz Scan
Several years ago, trombonist/composter/arranger Doug Beavers released his excellent debut album: Jazz, Baby, a compilation of children's tunes, rearranged in a big band jazz format. Two Shades Of Nude, his sophomore release, illustrates how far he has advanced in the interim.
Beavers' instrumental skills continue to be exceptional, and his talents as a composer and arranger have improved remarkably. He's working with a nonet on this... read more
Marlene Rosenberg - Bassprint
by Neil Tesser, Chicago Examiner
(Marlene Rosenberg's "Bassprint")is a splendid effort, showcasing a band with a breezy esthetic, and it boasts plenty of technique and taste from her collaborators: saxist Geof Bradfield, guitarist Scott Hesse, and the rapidly evolving young drummer Makaya McCraven.
But from the very first track, even those unfamiliar with Rosenberg might guess that the leader is in fact the bassist (and not just because she takes the album's initial solo).... read more
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