Browse some recent Origin Reviews.
Sam Yahel - Truth And Beauty
by Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
As pianist Brad Mehldau mentions in his lengthy and well thought-out liner notes, organist Sam Yahel, tenor-saxophonist Joshua Redman and drummer Brian Blade each have the ability to sound like themselves no matter what the setting or the dominant style. Yahel is one of the most original organists of his generation for even when his tone recalls Jimmy Smith, his choice of notes does not. Redman and Blade also have original sounds and the three... read more
Michael Waldrop Big Band - Time Within Itself
by Andrzej Fikus, MULTIKULTI PROJECT (Poland)
4 1/2 STARS American drummer and vibraphonist (Michael Waldrop) debuts in the role of bandleader. And, what a debut! Musically having to his credit a doctorate at the University of North Texas, where he was a member of the famed One O'Clock Lab Band. Another 10 years spent at a sideman for Jack Cooper in his Jazz Orchestra of the Delta in Memphis. The last decade he has also worked on the faculty for Eastern Washington University. Well... read more
Marius Nordal - Ways of the Hand
by Dave Nathan, All Music Guide
The title of this album, Ways of the Hand, does not refer to the trickery of a clever magician. Rather it describes the one of a kind styles and talents of the six piano artists to whom Marius "Butch" Nordal pays tribute on this his second release for the Origin label. It's too bad that these tracks aren't arranged in chronological order so one can see the connection between the mannerisms of each as well as the development of the art of... read more
Darren Johnston - Life in Time
by Michael van Gee, Jazz 'N' More (Switzerland)
There are always surprising CDs, such as the new one by trumpeter Darren Johnston from Brooklyn with his well-rehearsed trio from Chicago. Together with saxophonist and bass clarinetist Geof Bradfield, bassist Clark Sommers and drummer Dana Hall, he plays ten very varied compositions (six by Johnston, four by Bradfield). The mix of ballads and uptempo pieces never lets you get bored or miss a harmony instrument like the piano or guitar. On the... read more
Doug Lofstrom with Misha Rachlevsky & the Russian String Orchestra - Music for Strings
by Ron Schepper, Textura
The earliest material on this thoroughly appealing collection of classical material by Chicago composer Doug Lofstrom dates back to 1971, yet Music for Strings sounds as fresh as the day it was born. How the Russian String Orchestra and its conductor founder Misha Rachlevsky came to perform the four Lofstrom works on the release isn't clarified; regardless, both listeners and composer are fortunate they did. The committed renderings by the... read more
Ryan Cohan - Originations
by Editor, Musica Terre (Japan)
Ryan Cohan , a pianist/composer from Chicago in the United States who continues to create unique jazz that incorporates rhythms and scales from all over the world , is the first new album in 7 years "Originations" . It is a fascinating piece of music that is elaborately performed by a 11-person formation consisting of a piano, bass, drums, Middle Eastern percussion instrument, wind instrument, and even string quartet.
Ryan Cohan has been... read more
Scenes - ...But Not Heard
by Chris Lunn, Ancient Victorys
This is Scenes' fifth recording by major NW jazz musicians and includes the owner of Origin's highly successful recording company, John Bishop, on drums. All the songs were penned by the musicians, starting off with the "C Minor Waltz" that has the author, Hans Teuber, on lyrical sax working above the Stowell warm guitar dance lines and the major voice of Jeff Johnson, one of the most lyrical bass players you will ever hear. Just listen to... read more
Jonas Tauber with William Thomas, Doug Haning - Prime Numbers
by Michael Casano, Jazz Review
Prime Numbers, a trio featuring bassist Jonas Tauber, has captured the perfect blend of live jazz, exploratory meanderings, and a cohesive structure that makes this CD a must for all lovers of free jazz. This is definitely not amateur hour, but an inspired document of brilliant music shining like a brooding star in space/time. This is one of those CDs that you listen to and smile because you cannot believe how right these guys got it.... read more
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