Browse some recent Origin Reviews.
Brent Jensen - Trios
by George Fendel, Jazz Scene
Some of you may remember Brent Jensen from his earlier Origin recordings, particularly "The Sound Of A Dry Martini," where, if you closed your eyes, you'd think you were hearing Paul Desmond. Well, Jensen's admiration for Desmond is born anew on this fine outing with two different trios. The first one puts him in the company of Jamie Findlay, guitar; and Zac Matthews, bass. On other selections, Jensen is joined by Doug Miller, bass and John... read more
Upper Left Trio - Three
by John Barron, All About Jazz.com
Occasionally, in the midst of media-hyped young lions re-creating and staking claim to past innovations, a jazz recording will emerge that nurtures the essence of tradition with openness and candor. Such engaging qualities can be heard on Three, the third release from Portland, Oregon's Upper Left Trio, featuring pianist Clay Giberson, drummer Charlie Doggett and bassist Jeff Leonard.
Three is characterized by unabashed improvised intensity... read more
Andrew Rathbun Large Ensemble - The Atwood Suites
by George W. Harris, Jazz Weekly
This two-disc set has George Schuller and Andrew Rathbun producing a rich collection of the leader's material, which is modern, rich and accessible. A mix of music and poetry by Margaret Atwood make for a delightful and ambitious listen.
There is a 3-Part "Two Islands," Souza's lovely voice over the pulsating reeds, while Tim Hagans sighs on "Two Islands II." Some rich post bop harmonies and rhythms are driven by Bill Stewart on "Two Islands... read more
Dan Dean - Fanfare for the Common Man
by Ron Schepper, Textura
Having distinguished himself in a career spanning decades as a bassist, composer, producer, and recording engineer, Dan Dean turned his attention four years ago to the creation of classical pieces using purely vocal means. The artistic success of Songs Without Words encouraged him to fashion a successor, which brings us to the glorious Fanfare for the Common Man. It couldn't be any more of a solo project: using overdubbing to assemble his voice... read more
Hal Galper & the Youngbloods - Live at the Cota Jazz Festival
by Bob Bernotas, Just Jazz
Pianist Hal Galper calls his music "Rubato Style." It's free yet formal, lyrical yet rhythmic, soloist-centered yet collectively-based. But beyond all that, it's an intriguing and colorful concept that draws you in and carries you away. In this 2016 performance Galper and three protégés — alto saxophonist Nathan Bellott, bassist Dean Torrey, drummer David Frazier — dig deeply to mine musical riches from three originals and Gordon Jenkins'... read more
Florian Hoefner - Luminosity
by George Grella, The Big City Blog
Luminosity is the third album from German jazz pianist Hoefner. This is finely made jazz that sits right in the pocket of the mainstream of contemporary style - a prevalent minor key feel, driving rhythms with more than a little rock feel - that is the long tail of Keith Jarrett's European Quartet. The sound is familiar, but this is not a criticism, because it's also involving.
The story behind Hoefner's third release is that, having... read more
Rodney Whitaker - Mosaic: The Music of Gregg Hill
by Paul Rauch, All About Jazz
4-STARS In their fourth collaboration on Origin Records, bassist and bandleader Rodney Whitaker and Central Michigan composer Gregg Hill strike gold once again, backed by a formidable gathering of musicians. Hill's music has experienced a surge in interest due to his prolific releases on Origin, which have featured musicians in and around the impressive jazz faculty roster at Michigan State University, a program with Whitaker at the... read more
Lorin Cohen - Home
by Marc Myers, JazzWax
Lorin Cohen's bass serves as a big woody pulse on all of these original tracks, which he also arranged. The inclusion of Joe Locke's vibes gives the album a bright aura. Add Yvonnick Prene's harmonica and Victor Provost's steel pan, and your ear winds up having a wonderful time. What I love about Cohen's bass is the brightness, his time and love of space. Dig Saudade, a seductive... read more
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