Browse some recent Origin Reviews.
Les DeMerle Sound 67 - Once in a Lifetime
by Michael van Gee, Jazz'N'More (Switzerland)
5-STARS What a surprise: The first recordings of drummer Les DeMerle, previously thought lost, have now finally been released. Recorded in 1967 for the Atlantic label, the acetates were in the drummer's home. His band, Sound 67, featured a highly prominent lineup, including the young Randy Brecker (*1945), the outstanding Alan Gauvin and Lanny Morgan (as), as well as singer Genya Ravan ("Ten Wheel Drive").
A total of eight tracks were... read more
Les DeMerle - Hittin' The Blue Notes, Vol. 1
by , JazzReview
There's no doubt from the downbeat of the first tune on Hittin' The Blue Notes--that tune being "Just Friends"--that this is a drummer's project. In the same way that, say, Art Blakey or Buddy Rich drove their bands, DeMerle establishes an undeniable presence that characterizes his band as well.
First of all, Les DeMerle kicks off the track with an 8-bar introduction (played in 8 seconds), effectively preparing the listener for the intensity... read more
Paul Ricci - The Path
by Editor, Bman's Blues Report
I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, The Path, by Paul Ricci and it's an interesting blend of contemporary and world jazz. Opening with "Major Look," Steve Jordan on drums, Manolo Badrena on percussion and Anthony Jackson on contrabass guitar, set a funky rhythm and Paul Ricci lays down a smooth melody, contrasted by Michael Wolff on electric piano. Electrifying opener. "Lobo" is particularly enticing, featuring... read more
Michael Zilber - Originals for the Originals
by Editor, Vento Azul (Japan)
Michael Zilber's eleventh album as a leader, he's a talented tenor saxophonist who has been active since the 1980s. A one-horn quartet working with contemporary NY's top rhythm players such as David Kikoski, James Genus and Clarence Penn. The originals are dedicated to the saxophonists he has been strongly influenced by, including Michael Brecker, Dave Liebman, John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter and Sonny Rollins. Tenor fans, this is a necessary one... read more
Dan Heck - Compositionality
by Bill Milkowski, JazzTimes
Florida-based guitarist composer Dan Heck takes his time entering the first track of his Origin debut, deferring to trumpeter Thomas Marriott on the funky boogaloo "One for Flo" and laying out entirely. By the time he finally makes his move at the 2:30 mark, his warm, flowing lines and clear articulation immedately reveal the influence of Pat Metheny, whom he pays tribute to on the lyrical ballad "Stand Pat." And that isn't the only homage... read more
Bobby Broom - My Shining Hour
by George W. Harris, Jazz Weekly
Few guitarists these days possess an identifiable tone; Bobby Broom's one of the guys who does. He's been a perfect foil for tenor guys like Stanley Turrentine and Sonny Rollins, as his #2 pencil thin tone mixed with a duster of a strum is like a signature from a fountain pen.
Most of the standards here are taken at a joyful and midtempo lilt, making "My Ideal" more wistful than longing and "My Shining Hour" brimming with hope.... read more
Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra - SRJO Live
by Jason West, All About Jazz
Like Shackleton's epic voyage of survival in Antarctica, one struggles to imagine the time, resources, social skill and organizational acumen necessary to lead a jazz orchestra. Even more mindboggling is the idea of stepping into the shoes of Duke Ellington, Count Basie or Jimmie Lunceford, transcribing their classic big band recordings, and performing them live on your orchestra's debut CD.
Yet, Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra directors... read more
Dave Slonaker Big Band - Convergency
by Chris Spector, Midwest Record
When a commercial musician gets the chance to show us where his heart is, something special can really come out of it. A well decorated Hollywood studio rat finally comes out with his second album a decade later and this should be a fellow Grammy nominee as well. With players he's known for up to 40 years staffing this big band, his charts are immaculate, the playing impressive and the swing is undoubtable. Class, classy and classic, this big... read more
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