There's nothing delicate about this robust trio led by pianist Hal Galper. Negotiating tangled, knotty skeins of melody, harmony and rhythm, Galper, bassist Jeff Johnson and drummer John Bishop vigorously comb through Galper-penned dazzlers such as "Rapunzel's Luncheonette," and apply the same spirited precision to Ellington's "Take the Coltrane." Even playing it cool, as they do on Galper's lovely "Soliloquy," the trio never sounds... read more
From the first note of guitarist Bobby Rozario's new release, Carlos Santana sprang to mind and wouldn't go away. Quickly, this became less of a liability (hasn't Santana already done this) and more of an asset (I always loved this sound, especially those first several Columbia records). Recorded over a number of sessions, the instrumentation and personnel varies from track to track. Careful listening reveals that Rozario is not a one-trick... read more
With her debut album, The Vibe, trombonist Nanami Haruta confidently steps onto the jazz scene, marking herself as an exhilarating player on the jazz scene. Released February 28, 2025, on Origin Records, the album circles Haruta's exceptional talent. Mentor and producer Michael Dease presence on trombone and baritone saxophone imbues the project with energy.
The album opens invitingly with Renee Rosnes' "Girlie's World," arranged by Chris... read more
Smart and accomplished, West Coast vocalist Cathy Segal-Garcia releases her 15th recording, Live In Japan, on the heels of her well-received Social Anthems, Volume 1 (Origin Records, 2021). Live In Japan is a retrospective December 1992 performance that pairs the singer with her frequent collaborator, pianist Phillip Strange. Recorded in Osaka during the holidays, Segal-Garcia sprinkles her two generous sets with enough seasonal music to qualify... read more
Here's a sax man making his label debut and he makes a point of bringing it throughout. While you might hear the echoes of your fave greats of the past pouring out of his powerful ax, there's no mistaking that Selvaggio has learned his lessons well and learned how to craft them into his own voice as well. Hard hitting, tasty stuff loaded with infectious grooves and moves throughout, this is a winner from top to bottom that leaves no dregs in... read more
Harmonic trio jazz Eric Jacobson Pamela York Clay Schaub - HINDSIGHT: This recent release (it hit the street officially on 20 October, 2023) is some of the most harmonic trio jazz I've ever listened to... I have little doubt you will fall in love with Eric's trumpet, Pamela's piano and Clay's bass as quickly as I did. Though this performance is from over a year ago, it will give you an intimate look at the trio's total talent style...
The... read more
Guitarist Broom, a long-time sideman to tenor titan Sonny Rollins, has released a series of exceptional trio recordings in which he explores, deconstructs and otherwise re-invents familiar pop material (2001's "Modern Man" and "Stand!" and 2007's "Song and Dance"). On this exemplary outing he investigates Monk's music, introducing some daring new arrangements while maintaining a reverence for the material.
"Evidence" opens with a grooving... read more
Trombonist Beavers is known for being a member of the Mingus Big Band and also for his association with Eddie Palmieri. On his second disc as a leader and composer, Beavers leads eight other fine musicians through a disc of originals and tightly arranged covers. It's a small, modern jazz big band that tackles the music with verve. The title track shows off Beavers' fortitude as a composer. Its long note theme soars over a bubbling bop, and his... 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