Browse some recent Origin Reviews.
Mimi Fox - This Bird Still Flies
by Andrew Gilbert, Berkeleyside
When Mimi Fox talks about visiting Joe Pass, I picture the legendary guitarist sitting lotus position on top of a Himalayan peak, a cigar tucked firmly into the corner of his mouth as he utters cryptic jazz koans.
Gruff and avuncular, Pass wasn't really the guru type, but more than any other player of his era he mastered the lonely art of unaccompanied jazz guitar, recording a series of classic solo albums aptly titled Virtuoso. Some three... read more
Jim Knapp Orchestra - It's Not Business, It's Personal
by Michael van Gee, Jazz 'N' More (Switzerland)
4-STARS This newly released CD by Seattle-based trumpeter, composer, bandleader and arranger Jim Knapp, who died in November 2021 at the age of 82, was recorded in 2009. Composer and arranger Maria Schneider praises: "Jim Knapp's music is full of intensity, emotions and creative textures and should be better known. It is among the best that is currently being written." Unfortunately, Knapp is only known to insiders, although he was... read more
Hadley Caliman - Straight Ahead
by Bill Milkowski, JazzTimes
Veteran tenor saxophonist Hadley Caliman?he was on the Central Avenue scene in Los Angeles during the '50s?teams with golden-toned trumpeter Thomas Marriott on the frontline for this inspired outing. Flaunting a beautiful, burnished tone and remarkable fluidity on his horn, Caliman sails through his "Cigar Eddie," Harold Land's "Rapture" and Lee Morgan's Latin-flavored "Totem Pole" with confidence and old-school swagger. And he acquits himself... read more
Greta Matassa - All This And Heaven Too
by Jason West, JazzSteps
Greta Matassa packs the energy, embellishment and awe of a gospel choir into her voice, wedding the secular and spiritual to invariably produce roof-raising performances. A spontaneous singer who is not afraid to challenge herself, Greta takes a lot of risks with her voice and sometimes these risks get her into trouble on this live recording, where, unlike a studio session, second chances are not an option. On "Why Try to Change Me Now/Crazy He... read more
Hal Galper / Jeff Johnson / John Bishop - Furious Rubato
by Marc Medwin, Cadence
Hal Galper's offering was the biggest surprise. It's the furthest out, his playing much more adventurous than I would have expected. Clearly in the tradition, his keyboard attack is nevertheless somehow brazen, bold and certain, as with Andrew Hill of the Strange Serenade period. Even the usually serene "Naima" emits raw energy, the melody twisted almost out of recognition. "Milestones" is subjected to similar treatment, becoming a no holds-... read more
Clay Giberson - Upper Road
by Mark E. Gallo, Jazz Review
Keyboardist Clay Giberson is joined here by a first-rate core group of musicians in woodwinds player Hans Teuber, guitarist Dan Balmer, bassist Jeff Leonard and drummer Carlton Jackson, with guests throughout. Recorded January 2001 in Portland, Oregon, this all original 11-cut program features Giberson's work on piano, Rhodes electric piano, Wurlitzer EP, synthesizer and loops, though the overall effect remains organic.
Hans Teuber is... read more
Meridian Odyssey - Second Wave
by Abe Beeson, KNKX, New Cool
If you've been following the Seattle jazz scene, no doubt you know a few of the musicians calling themselves Meridian Odyssey. They've played as sidemen with many of the city's top players and spent hours working together in each others' bands. Despite and because of the pandemic, the quintet of friends found room to collaborate in socially distanced Alaska, resulting in a great new album.
For Second Wave, Xavier Lecouturier, the band's... read more
John Bishop - Nothing If Not Something
by Adam Greenburg, All Music Guide
****1/2 - 4 1/2 STARS
This is the Seattle sound at its finest. The trio, led by Origin Records founder John Bishop, has a subtle touch. The sound is dignified, but isn't afraid to let the sax wail a little now and then. In large part, the music gains something distinctive over East Coast jazz in its lack of a drive to highlight talent and knowledge merely for the sake of showcasing. In leaving behind the need to take off with a... read more
Looking for a specific review?
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.
Search Reviews:
Recently Added Reviews:
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