Browse some recent Origin Reviews.
John McLean - Better Angels
by Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
Guitarist John McLean's Better Angels is certainly difficult to classify. Some pieces, such as "Ready for the War," come across as modern pop. Others are closer to the music of the Pat Metheny Group, while a few tunes are modernized swing standards including one of the strangest versions of "Airmail Special" one will ever hear. While there are some individual spots, the emphasis during most of the selections is on the haunting ensemble sound... read more
David Friesen with Orchestra and Quartet - Testimony
by Mattie Poels, Music Frames (Holland)
In a beautiful concert we hear jazz bassist and pianist David Friesen from the Ukraine together with his quartet and the National Academic Symphonic Band of Ukraine.
On the album Testimony we hear two concerts that were both recorded in the Ukraine (Kiev) where the bassist, pianist and arranger David Friesen comes from. Friesen is a master of themes: catchy melodies that sound familiar and worldly. His timing is reminiscent of that of the... read more
Ben Patterson - The Way of the Groove
by Dan Bilawsky, All About Jazz
4-STARS Ben Patterson is well versed in the way of the groove. The veteran trombonist, best known for his lengthy stint with the Airmen of Note, uses this date to deliver some hip yet sophisticated work that leans on funky foundations, driving ambitions and glorious grit. Showcasing his impressive slide work alongside a positively electric outfit, Patterson digs deep in offering some slick and seriously smart art. The sum of those... read more
Marlene Rosenberg - Bassprint
by Ric Bang, Jazz Scan
Relatively few women embrace the acoustic bass; Marlene Rosenberg ? a ?territory? artist born, raised and schooled in Illinois ? has done just that.
Although she has played professionally throughout the world, she performs and teaches primarily around Chicago. She began studying clarinet at the age of 10, switched to electric bass in high school, and finally settled on the acoustic instrument while attending the University of Illinois. She... read more
Anthony Branker & Imagine - Songs My Mom Liked
by Tom Haugen, Take Effect
The composer and director Anthony Brankar brings along an excellent cast for these fusion filled tracks that make up his 10th Origin record.
Fabian Almazan's swift keys open on "Praise", where the warm brass enters amid much flowing melody, and "Sketches Of Selim" follows with Linda May Han Oh's precise bass plucking that sets a mood of mystery and elegance.
Further along, "Land Of Milk & Honey" showcases Donny McCaslin's bright sax and... read more
John Moulder - Trinity
by Ed Trefzger, JazzWeek
There is a small but long-standing tradition of jazz informed by faith, whether it's a Gospel-influenced tune, or more expansive spiritual pieces like the sacred works of Duke Ellington or Coltrane's "A Love Supreme." Guitarist and composer John Moulder has communicated his personal faith in a suite entitled Trinity, which is his musical interpretation of "our journey in God from the primordial to the eternal." Moulder chronologically follows... read more
Joe Locke - Force of Four
by Ric Bang, The Davis Enterprise
In the beginning, we had Red Norvo, followed by Lionel Hampton, Magie Hyams, Terry Gibbs, Milt Jackson, Cal Tjader and Gary Burton. They've now been joined by Joe Locke. All are jazz vibraphone artists.
Although a relative youngster (still in is 40s), Locke has been playing the instrument for more than 30 years; his fame has risen during the most recent decade. He began playing with the "big boys" - Gillespie, for example - while still... read more
Brad Goode - Montezuma
by Chris Spector, Midwest Record
Straight up Chicago jazz with a twist, just the way we like it. Mixing originals with covers from different quadrants, Goode and company know each others moves well and can keep you guessing which is written out and which is improv as you groove along with the proceedings. Smooth and fluid enough to sit back and make killer bucks as a sideman if he so desired, Goode isn't just good, this outing shows him better than best.... read more
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