Browse some recent Origin Reviews.
John Stowell | Michael Zilber - Live Beauty
by Chris Spector, Midwest Record
A live date recorded at the end of a two week tour, the crew on board here developed the mental telepathy that it takes to make an improv date feel like it's been well scripted to sound like the notes have been well laid out but the players are given the freedom to play around them. Not a hooting an hollering set, it's about low key fire and intensity. This is sitting down jazz played by real pros that know how to hold you in rapt... read more
Kim Richmond Concert Jazz Orchestra - Refractions
by Adam Greenburg, All Music Guide
Los Angeles saxophonist Kim Richmond's album Refractions involves a full orchestra of players and that was done for the orchestral effect rather than the big band idiom you would usually expect. Richmond likes to blend concepts from the classical realm with those from the jazz realm, and full classical orchestration is one part of that. The main thrust of this idea is to provide for a deeper, more cinematic sound that is capable of conveying the... read more
Shawn Purcell - 180
by Bob Weinberg, Jazziz
Like so many jazz guitarists, Shawn Purcell was awed by the playing of Pat Martino, whose classic album El Hombre truly opened his ears to the possibilities of the guitar-organ trio. And certainly, Martino's influence echoes throughout 180 (Origin), the Washington, D.C.-based Purcell's most recent release. Teaming up with organ virtuoso Pat Bianchi and drum phenom Jason Tiemann, Purcell explores and updates the dynamics of the classic organ... read more
Jared Hall - Seen on the Scene
by Jack Bowers, All About Jazz
Seen on the Scene, Seattle-based trumpeter Jared Hall's second album as a leader, has a lot going for it: tight-knit group unity and tasteful dynamics; bright, technically polished solos by all hands; and engaging tunes by Hall and the late bop master, Tadd Dameron. As a bonus, the acclaimed alto saxophonist Vincent Herring is "on the scene" to share the front line with Hall, elevating the session whenever he assumes the spotlight.
Hall's... read more
Michael Zilber - Originals for the Originals
by Scott Yanow, New York City Jazz Record
Kikoski is a sideman on saxophonist Michael Zilber's Originals for the Originals, a tribute to seven of the leaders's favorite saxophonists (Michael Brecker, Sonny Rollins, Dave Liebman, Wayne Shorter, Joe Henderson, John Coltrane and Paul Desmond) via wittily-titled originals hinting at their musical spirits.
It is an intriguing set, with Zilber sounding like some of his heroes and not like others. Uptempo "Breckerfast Club" and more somber... read more
Jack Perla - Enormous Changes
by Rotcod Zzaj, Improvijazzation Nation
The fourteen all-original tunes from Jack prove beyond all shadow of doubt that he is far more than "just a piano player from San Francisco"... tunes like the splendid high-energy opening title track, "Enormous Changes", feature some excellent jazz vocal work, and propel you into lovely spaces that are reminiscent of shows like "Hair" (for this old reviewer, at least). What really sets Perla apart from all the other jazzers is his diversity...... read more
Brad Goode - Polytonal Dance Party
by Douglas Lockard, International Trumpet Guild
Jazz trumpeter Brad Goode has achieved success as both a performer and educator (University of Colorado), and this adventurous 2008 release demonstrates his desire to continue to push the harmonic envelope. As the title of the recording suggests, every tune is written or arranged using poly- chordal harmonies. Although the sound of polytonal harmony is initially jarring, the musicians navigate through the potentially dangerous harmonic landscape... read more
Nnenna Freelon - Beneath the Skin
by George W Harris, Jazz Weekly
Ringer of the Week! Vocalist Nnenna Freelon has had a career that could easily be divided into two eras. Her early career had her create albums that mixed soul, R&B and smooth jazz in an irresistible fashion. Around 2012, she seemed to have taken a break from recording and touring, and has since returned to the scene with a more reflective, thoughtful and world-wise fragrance to her sound. This recent release with Alan Pasqua/p-key,... read more
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