Browse some recent Origin Reviews.
Keigo Hirakawa - Pixel
by D.W. Long, Notes on the Beat
A pixel. The smallest addressable unit that can be manipulated by software. It's apt - and slightly ironic - that a Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, who is also a vastly talented pianist, would choose the word for the title of his latest quintet release. The irony is two-fold: First, for most part, this is an acoustic project. Outside of guitarist Brandon Scott Campbell, all the musicians play acoustic instruments. So... read more
Ray Vega & Thomas Marriott - East West Trumpet Summit: Coast to Coast
by Dick Metcalf, Contemporary Fusion Reviews
If you're in love with smokin' hot trumpets, you'll find this release from Ray and Thomas to be very much to your liking... the best way to get acquainted with these high-energy and high-talent players is to SEE them.
Personally, I fell in love with this June, 2023 album immediately... a variety of styles in the songs they chose, and penetrating energy from the very first note to the last bar.... read more
Delia Fischer - Delia Fischer: Beyond Bossa
by David Brazil, Brasil Calling
This album marks the first time Delia Fischer has recorded her original repertoire for an international audience, featuring English lyrics co-written with collaborators such as Camila Costa, Carlos Careqa, and Claudio Botelho. These songs are reimagined by American composer, pianist, and jazz journalist Allen Morrison, who worked closely with Fischer to adapt the lyrics while maintaining the essence of the original Portuguese versions. The album... read more
Barry Greene - Giants
by George Harris, Jazz Weekly
Guitarist Barry Greene sticks to his color charts as he gives hints of guitarist Grant Green on this satisfyingly swinging stringed session. He switches between Pat Bianchi/B3, David Kikoski/p, Steve Nelson/vib and Marco Panascia/b, with Ulysses Owens Jr/dr being the only other constant, supplying a supple support. With Bianchi's humming Hammond, Greene brings in some clever effects on the delicate opening to buildup blueser "Backtrack" wile... read more
Greta Matassa - Favorites From A Long Walk
by Todd Matthews, Earshot
When jazz vocalist Greta Matassa looks for inspiration, she hits the road -- not on travel adventures around the world, or lengthy concert tours that take her to various parts of the country (Matassa, in fact, rarely travels outside the Pacific Northwest to perform). Her formula is much simpler. She dons a pair of headphones, loads a portable CD player, laces up her best walking shoes, grabs a bottle of water, and heads toward Alki Beach, near... 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
Florian Hoefner - Luminosity
by Rick Anderson, CD Hotlist
Here is another very fine example of modern straight-ahead jazz from the young pianist and composer Florian Hoefner, now recording for the first time with acclaimed saxophonist Seamus Blake. This all-original program finds Hoefner doing what he does best: writing tunes that contain small surprises within familiar structures, that challenge the ear without defying it to stick around, and that bring out the best in his carefully-chosen... read more
Jessica Williams - Billy's Theme: A Tribute to Dr. Billy Taylor
by Thomas Conrad, JazzTimes, September 2006
To "get" Jessica Williams, you must experience her in person. Her audience is fiercely loyal, and her deep connection with them comes partly from the tension between her demure shyness and her utterly dominating piano. She is in her own way, a super saleswoman of the keyboard and never lets anyone out of the room without closing the deal.
Not surprisingly, Williams' best albums until now have been recorded in front of live audiences (e.g.,... read more
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