This one, more than most sets that come this way, reveals itself in successive layers. Melody didn't initially assert itself to these ears. It was there, in dreamy post bop permutations, but it was the harmonies that grabbed me from the start. Drummer Steve Korn and company explore unusual and engaging harmonic frameworks, and I spent a couple of spins of the disc absorbing those and wishing for a deeper grounding in the technicalities of music,... read more
Newcomer Ben Black distinguishes himself from the rest of the pack.
First, there is his hauntingly beautiful voice capable of hitting high notes that most male singers never reach. Then, there is his treasure chest of surprises and unconventional material.
His second CD, "Remembered Faces/Private Places," takes on a multicultural theme. Black sings songs from Armenia, Japan, Brazil and other locales. He also tosses in a couple of... read more
Varuna is a dwarf planet located near Pluto, and although it was only discovered about fifteen years ago, it has already become the subject of an original song by vocalist Laurie Antonioli and pianist Richie Beirach. The lyrics touch upon the mythological and astronomical meanings of both the planet and its namesake, and the song's mystical, out-of-time setting is a perfect opener for the second duet album by Antonioli and Beirach. "Varuna" (the... read more
If you ask me, the "improbable solution" at which keyboardist/composer Bill Anschell arrived in creating this album had to do with creating a program that draws equally on the straight-ahead jazz verities and on forward-thinking experimentation without sacrificing one for the other. Very few are able to strike that balance, and his achievement here is significant. Compare, for example, the rockish and melodically angular "Is This Thing Even On?"... read more
Karrin Allyson has a clear, precise, pixie-like voice, akin to Blossom Dearie, and she has a particular fondness for Brazilian jazz ballads. Her new album is all about Brazil with special guest vocalist and guitarist Rosa Passo, who sings solo and enjoys trading scat with Allyson. The band consists of ubiquitous Brazilian drummer Rafael Barata; Cariocan keyboardist [piano, Fender Rhodes, accordion] Vitor Gonçalves; musicially wide-ranging... read more
I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, While We Have Time, by Maddie Vogler and it's quite entertaining. Opening with, The Need To Be, Maddie Vogler on Alto Sax, is joined by Tito Carrillo on trumpet and Flugelhorn, Matt Gold on guitar, Jake Shapiro on piano, Samuel Peters on bass and Neil Hemphill on drums. This track shows a definite interest in exploring Vogler's Cuban roots. Her sax soloing on this track is mature and... read more
BEST ISRAELI JAZZ OF THE DECADE The "sunrise" of composer and saxophonist Amit Friedman came after quite a few years when he played as a sideman with many good musicians. Friedman defines himself as an autodidact. Although he studied jazz at Thelma Yellin and took individual lessons here and there, he paved the way for himself. This is probably why his music is so accessible and pleasant to listen to, but not at the expense of depth and... read more
With his latest record Continuation, multi-talented guitarist Peter Lerner continues to make a case for himself as Chicago's very own jazz authority. The nine-track, nearly 80-minute record showcases his creative versatility as a composer, arranger, and performer. Lerner manages to season each track with a different flavor--from Latin to blues to funk--without compromising the record's identity or natural flow. He shines not only when... 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