With "The Good Life" and an entirely different back-up ensemble, Alex Graham has done it again, and in spades. Recorded back in 1998, this is truly a dynamite piece of work from beginning to end. It's another no-frills, straight-ahead jazz album played to perfection, and a song selection to match. Alex on alto, flute and clarinet is brilliantly supported by this trio of solid senders.... read more
The burning rainbow and Norse bridge to the afterlife - "Bifrost" is an especially apt title for guitarist John Moulder's new release given the musician's spiritual nature (he is, after all, a Catholic priest) and also due to the fact that Norweigian musicians Arild Andersen (acoustic bass) and Bendik Hofseth (tenor sax) play prominent roles. Andersen is well known for his work beginning with Jan Garabeck in the 1960s and as a leading light in... read more
You'll want to familiarize yourself quickly with saxophonist Zem Audu. The New York-based musician was born in Nigeria before his parents quickly relocated his family to England. "The question I always get asked is, 'Where are you from?' I don't want to neglect that I was born in Nigeria and just say I'm English because of my passport," shares Audu. "I don't want to not mention that I live in the States after being here for seven years. And I... read more
Pianist Hal Galper's latest release incorporates influences and approaches from multiple camps, a reflection of the versatility he displayed during lengthy stints with Chet Baker and Phil Woods. But it's a sign of his growth as a player that he does it in a manner that's neither tedious nor imitative. Galper sometimes opts for the lyrical, fluid sensibility popularized by stylists like Bill Evans and Brad Mehldau. But on other occasions he... read more
Idee Fixe's method to music creation is a particularly improvised route. Rather than using composed sets, they improvise the backbone of jazz collectively. However, they go further -- they had no prior discussions, no (or rare) starting points from which to build. They simply start exploring ideas together while recording, leading to a particularly free format of jazz. The pieces on Abstract Realism tend to start out sparse, with a tone or two... read more
Veteran Belgian bassist-composer Piet Verbist expertly blends bop, rock and funk feels on his debut as a leader. With huge upright tone, he lays down a heavy groove on the imposing opener, "PMS Alert," underscored by drummer Herman Pardon's muscular backbeat and Bram Weijter's slightly distorted Fender Rhodes. Tenor saxophonist Matt Renzi and baritone saxophonist Vincent Brijs create a telepathic dialogue on "Above & Beyond," before... read more
Some wonderful guitarists have come out of Pittsburgh, including Shawn Purcell. Shawn studied in the prestigious guitar program at Duquesne University and went on to serve his country as an Air Force musician in some of the top military bands. Before his retirement from the military, he was stationed near Washington DC. Now, a first-call guitarist in the Washington-metro area who has just released a new album Oblivity.
JB: Your group is... read more
Five BLAZING Stars!! Master guitarist Bobby Broom has cranked up a winner of a guitar trio recording. With longtime Broom associates bassist Dennis Carroll and his supple stylings and Kobie Watkins' muscular, inventive drumming, this is a tight musical trio that knows where it's going and there is lots of musical ESP between the players. There are some marvelous moments awaiting the listener on this CD. With song choices like the Beatles "Can't... 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