A throwback to the glory days of arrangers, Slonaker is a cat working in the shadows of Hollywood composing and arranging for loads of shows and movies that you wouldn't know he had a hand in unless you hang around for the credits, in small type. A dynamic set with a big band populated by the crime of contemporary jazz, this is one of those sets that looks forward while looking back. He reveres the past enough that he won't make you forget... read more
Nice straight-ahead set from saxophonist Pino. His nonet attains a strong head of steam and doesn't relinquish it. Best is just sitting back and listening to their flight... read more
Intuitiveness coupled with camaraderie creates a steady flow of inspiration throughout Silent Photographer, the latest from the Seattle-based jazz trio known as Scenes. The collective, consisting of guitarist John Stowell, bassist Jeff Johnson and drummer John Bishop, performs mostly original compositions along with a few lesser-known jazz classics. Silent Photographer is their fourth release for Bishop's label, Origin Records.
Johnson, who... read more
Guitarist John Stowell is a respected jazz player, known for his creative (and often difficult-to-play) chord voicings. That technique is very much in evidence in this set, but the focus is on his compositions. Trombonist Dave Glenn noticed that their duo performances had a chamber music quality, which inspired him to incorporate string quartet arrangements in this program. The core sound is still the duo: Stowell on nylon string guitar (plus a... read more
The Seattle composer, arranger and trumpet extraordinaire Jim Knapp knew his way around a diverse jazz tune you won't soon forget, and here along with a large handful of esteemed musicians he brings a big band effort that's quite distinct and exciting.
"Miami Vince" starts the listen with no lack of energy, as Jon Hamar's frisky brass welcomes the lively brass and airy flute from Paul Taub that swirls with a timeless jazz energy, and... read more
Trombonist and leader Ben Patterson slides on a variety of base paths with his team of Shawn Purcell/g, Chris Ziemba/key, Paul Henry/b and Todd Harrison/dr through a mix of originals. Dan Cortaza brings his nylon strings to the nimble gallop of "Road Trip", while for a handful of the tunes, you feel like you're taking in a modern take of the Jazz Messengers. Patterson digs in deep on the Blue Note-ish "Scoish" and the team shuffles hard on... read more
Brad Goode, an accomplished trumpeter and jazz studies professor at the University of Colorado, has spent most of his career steeped in bop. But on Chicago Red he continues his more modern explorations, begun in 2008 with Polytonal Dance Party and the introduction of his so-called "polytonal system," which involves "improvising over streams of simultaneous chord sequences," to use his words. Chicago Red takes him into... 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
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