Browse some recent Origin Reviews.
Corey Christiansen - Lone Prairie
by Chris Spector, Midwest Record
A cowboy spirited album from a Wes influenced jazz guitarist? Well, he is from Utah and he didn't go down Chris Parkening's road so when genes will out, it was bound to happen. Does it feel out of character? Nah. Hell, if you didn't already know "Streets of Laredo" was a cowboy song, this would sound like some introspective meditation. A solid listening date from a cat that really knows his stuff and how to serve it up right, in any... read more
New Stories - Remember Why
by Dave Nathan, All Music Guide
Once again the Seattle-based trio New Stories hits pay dirt with the follow-up to its first release, Circled By Hounds. Helped along by significant contributions from several guests, pianist Marc Seales, bassist Doug Miller, and drummer John Bishop settle on a play list of jazz classics and original material. Recalling the modal music days of the 1950s and especially beyond, the kickoff tune, "Prince of Darkness," sets a high standard for the... read more
Josh Nelson - The Sky Remains
by Carol Banks Weber, Festival Peak
Pianist/composer Josh Nelson sees the world differently. A restless, bold dreamer, he uncovers the extraordinary in people, places, and things we often take for granted - with an uncanny sense of beauty, humanity, and musical imagination. He did it in the 2011 sci-fi/steam punk album Discoveries, which kicked off his well-received, multi-media "Discovery Project" series of shows traveling up and down the West Coast. He did it again with... read more
Affinity Trio - Hindsight
by Michael van Gee, Jazz'n'More (Switzerland)
Trios consisting of trumpet, piano and bass are rare, which is why the line-up of the band Affinity Trio makes you sit up and take notice. This also applies to the music, a mix of originals and rare jazz standards. The debut album, recorded in Chicago, allows intimate insights into making music together, in which all three musicians--trumpeter Eric Jacobson, Pamela York on piano and Clay Schaub on double bass--are always responsible for rhythmic... read more
Kiki Valera - Vivencias en Clave Cubana
by Joe Ross, Roots Music Report
5-STARS Kiki Valera opens his debut album with "Mi Son," a tribute to Son Cubano, the music that originated in eastern Cuba in the late 1800s by black and mulatto musicians, and then incorporated both African and Spanish elements as it gained universal appeal. We learn that the music comes from the hills ("mi son viene de la loma"), has lyrics sung with grace, poetry, rhythm, love ("gracia y poesia, ritmo y amor") and if you want to... read more
Jon Hamar - Hymn
by C. Michael Bailey, allaboutjazz.com
Track review of "Comes Love" - Origin Records bassist Jon Hamar effects an intimate trio with alto saxophonist Todd DelGiudice and pianist Geoffrey Keezer on Hymn. Heard most recently, prior to this date, on Richard Cole's Inner Mission (Origin Records, 2007), Hamar's Hymn is heavy on introspective yet muscular originals, as Hamar also chooses some sturdy standards upon which to improvise.
Hamar closes his disc with... read more
Rodney Whitaker - All Too Soon: The Music of Duke Ellington
by Charles L. Latimer, I Dig Jazz
If you attend a Rodney Whitaker concert, bank on getting a history lesson on whatever jazz music the bassist's group performs, and as a bonus some comic relief. For 25 years, he's taught jazz at Michigan State University. No surprise, he uses the bandstand to educate audiences, and his kidding them before introducing tunes is a piece of his musical personality. He's quick to jokingly warn an audience of his plans to pursue standup comedy when... read more
Oscar Hernández & Alma Libre - Love the Moment
by Chris Spector, Midwest Record
The Latin jazz hydra presents yet another side of his skills with a second outing that flies under this particular flag. A solid serving of smoking Latin jazz that positions itself in an up market vibe, this classy set is a delightful fast ball right down the middle. Professional and well played while leaving the emotion and passion in tact, there isn't a lick on this set of originals that you won't like. A well done ear... read more
Looking for a specific review?
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.
Search Reviews:
Recently Added Reviews:
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