Browse some recent Origin Reviews.
John Stowell / Dave Glenn & The Hawčaptak Quartet - Violin Memory
by Mark Sullivan, The Minor 7th
Guitarist John Stowell is a respected jazz player, known for his creative (and often difficult-to-play) chord voicings. That technique is very much in evidence in this set, but the focus is on his compositions. Trombonist Dave Glenn noticed that their duo performances had a chamber music quality, which inspired him to incorporate string quartet arrangements in this program. The core sound is still the duo: Stowell on nylon string guitar (plus a... read more
John Stowell & Dan Dean - Rain Painting
by Frank Kohl, Cadence
One of the most original and innovative guitarists on the scene today would have to be John Stowell. A true pioneer in methods of playing and composing he stands alone in a sea of guitarists. John's latest release "Rain Painting" gives voice to the intricacies of his compositional skills. Joined by bassist, vocalist and master recording engineer, Dan Dean, John's originals are brought to their full potential. I am swept away by the clarity and... read more
Scenes - Destinations
by Chris Lunn, Ancient Victorys
Stowell and Scenes have five other releases on Origin, and they just get tighter as they work off the deep understanding of each other's creative process. Jeff Johnson is one of the most sensitive bassists around with an incredible understanding of lyricism and moving inside the psyche. Bishop, in addition to being one of the head honchos for Origin, appears on dozens of recordings and is an immaculate, sensitive percussionist who can read and... read more
Alain Mallet - Mutt Slang II: A Wake of Sorrows Engulfed in Rage
by Dave Rogers, WTJU, Virginia
Though based in multiple musical realms, pianist Alain Mallet's ambitious Mutt Slang projects coalesce into a world that exudes 'exotic' yet ultimately feels familiar, the roots of its various components meeting somewhere deep within. Sharing the musical landscape with young musicians from Palestine, Brazil, Italy, Israel, Japan, Bulgaria, Panama, Ireland, Puerto Rico and the US, the complexity of their backgrounds - musically, ethnically,... read more
Sean Michael Giddings - Red Willow
by Dan McClenaghan, All About Jazz
Keyboardist Sean Michael Giddings cites pianist Vince Guaraldi, the composer of the Charles Schultz Peanuts cartoon soundtracks (among other things), as one of his influences. Guaraldi is joined in that "sphere of influence" club by the usual suspects—Brad Mehldau, Bill Evans, Keith Jarrett—who all play a part in Giddings' sound. But Guaraldi's spirit—the accessible lyricism, the bright, memorable melodies, the sense of fun—seems to loom... read more
Bill Anschell - Rumbler
by Andrew Luthringer, Earshot Jazz
There's an exhilarating moment on pianist and composer Bill Anschell's superb new album Rumbler that is emblematic of the album's strengths, and it's right at the top of the first track. The disc kicks off with piano and saxophone outlining Thelonious Monk's iconic "Misterioso." Sure, it's a great composition, but with all the masterful versions already recorded, can there really be anything new here?
Suddenly, skepticism is knocked aside as... read more
Dan Heck - Compositionality
by Rob Johnson, Jazzreview.com
An idea of what guitarist Dan Heck's passion is can be determined from the title of his newest CD, Compositionality. It's a great title for an album in which all the highly varied tunes are composed by one man. The only problem with understanding Heck's enthusiasm is that it might give the potential listener the impression that his instrumental prowess may be a little under par. No such problem exists. Dan Heck's chops and improvisation are... read more
Bobby Broom - My Shining Hour
by George W. Harris, Jazz Weekly
Few guitarists these days possess an identifiable tone; Bobby Broom's one of the guys who does. He's been a perfect foil for tenor guys like Stanley Turrentine and Sonny Rollins, as his #2 pencil thin tone mixed with a duster of a strum is like a signature from a fountain pen.
Most of the standards here are taken at a joyful and midtempo lilt, making "My Ideal" more wistful than longing and "My Shining Hour" brimming with hope.... read more
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