Playing Guitar for Sounds of a Dry Martini One of the most beloved saxophonists in jazz history is Paul Desmond.JGT contributor Joe Barth explores 'guitar support' in the Paul Desmond tribute albums. Though best known for his classic hit "Take Five" with the Dave Brubeck Quartet, Paul recorded several great albums with guitarists Jim Hall and Ed Bickert. Guitarist Jamie Findlay and saxophonist Brent Jensen pay tribute to the albums... read more
Okay, along with a lot of you, I haven't explored the music of Ornette Coleman to the extent that I probably should have. I've "always" admired "Lonely Woman," and as Bishop explains, on a disc of Coleman tunes that nobody ever does, "Lonely Woman" is the exception because, he writes, "I've been playing it for 20 years and it deserves to be here." Bishop's quintet includes two reedmen, Richard Cole and Tim Willcox, who join forces... read more
A Dream in Eight Movements: Alon Farber's Hagiga and the Architecture of Imagination
5-STARS What could be more beautiful than surrendering oneself to the unexpected, being swept into the creative universe of an artist whose vision is at once personal and expansive? For some, Alon Farber is a familiar name, known through previous recordings. For others, like myself, his music remained a whispered rumor until recently. In 2024,... read more
Brilliantly balanced jazz sophistication Ben Patterson Jazz Orchestra - MAD SCIENTIST MUSIC:
This album is one of the most brilliantly balanced jazz albums I've ever listened to. If you're craving the ultimate in hip, you'll find the 7:23 "The Mixup" fills that bill very nicely... unpredictable, yet totally accessible... you'll find yourself grooving right along on every notel
From my perspective, it was (unquestionably) the 6:27 closer,... read more
The trio of Eric Jacobson, Pamela York and Clay Schaub, as Affinity Trio the midwest outfit pen a timeless version of jazz that spreads out across 10 diverse tracks. The vivid trumpet from Jacobson and warm keys from York opens the listen with the glowing "Open Windows", and "Fitzroy" continues the dynamic interaction with soulful brass and well timed bass lines. Halfway through, "Themes For Ernie" focuses much on the emotive horn and twinkling... read more
Before this review delves into the overarching aesthetic issues which we critics so like to concern ourselves, I should note that the Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra's two-CD compilation of pieces from Duke Ellington's three Sacred Concerts provides solid performances of mostly remarkable music. The Oregon Repertory Singers sound especially good under their conductor, Gil Seeley, delivering an exquisite textured account of Duke's a capella... read more
By far the best jazz album of the year, the Deep Blue Organ Trio pays tribute to Stevie Wonder with, Wonderful! (Origin Records). A jazz perspective on the soul-pop legend, this is no smooth elevator jazz record. Its organ filled brilliance and over all maturity is a radiant homage done very tastefully. It would be absurd to even consider another Wonder tribute to take place when this one takes the cake. The cuts such as "Tell Me Something Good"... read more
Folksy-voiced Grete Skarpeid mixes originals, poetry and a standard together on this album that has her backed by Aruan Ortiz/p, Rob Waring/vib-perc, Cameron Brown/b and Gerald Cleaver/dr. Her delivery and style is reminiscent of 70s singers, as she gets elliptical like Joni Mitchell on "Like A Bird" and "Holding" while is ethereal like Judy Collins during "Singing Again" and the ethereal "Adam and Eve". Cleaver lays down a military beat to set... 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