Browse some recent Origin Reviews.
Todd Bishop - Little Played Little Bird
by Scott Yanow, L.A. Jazz Scene
Drummer Todd Bishop and his quintet with Richard Cole (bass clarinet, baritone, tenor and soprano), Tim Willcox (tenor and soprano),
keyboardist Weber Iago, and bassist Bill Athens, pay tribute not so much to Ornette Coleman's style and sound, but to his compositions. Of
the eight songs, only "Lonely Woman" (Coleman's greatest hit but taken in a different direction than usual) has been performed much
since being debuted by the altoist up to... read more
The H2 Big Band - It Could Happen
by Chris Spector, Midwest Record
It does happen! Who doesn't like contemporary big band when it's played right and tight with all the top LA jazz cats on board? Grabbing you right out of the gate, this super sweet session comes on like a self contained show with vocalist Rene Marie dropping by to lend a few trademark touches of her own. An air tight and water tight date that has no cracks that have to be sealed, this is as sweet as these sweet sounds get. Check it... read more
Ray LeVier - Ray's Way
by Dick Crockett, The Voice, Sacramento
After a few selections, you realize it's a different cd and Ray Levier's personal history tells a story. It's not at all pleasant, but shows this young man's determination to follow his bliss.
Ray played drums at a young age on a drum set his father had in the basement, who showed him some early tricks. Then Ray suffered third degree burns, while sleeping in a clubhouse, a candle fell and ignited Ray's sleeping bag, and he suffered 3rd... read more
Michael Orenstein - Aperture
by Tom Haugen, Take Effect
The Los Angeles pianist and composer/arranger Michael Orenstein makes quite an impression with this debut recording, where Logan Kane plays bass, Myles Martin handles drums and several esteemed guests contribute their inimitable skills.
"Opposite World" starts the listen with the meticulous keys and warm bass, as Sam Klein-Markman's glowing guitar helps illuminate the flowing jazz climate, and "Not Today" follows with a swift and busy... read more
Matt Jorgensen - Tattooed by Passion: Music inspired by the paintings of Dale Chisman
by Phillip McNally, Cadence Magazine
Finally drummer Matt Jorgensen leads a stellar 5tet on (4), and they work through an impressive series of compositions devoted to the painting of the late Dale Chisman. The nicely handled package displays several of the Chisman paintings which directly inspired Jorgensen, and makes listening to this set a programmatic experience. Trumpeter Thomas Marriott nearly steals the date, for he has a burnished perfect tone and a gentle lyric way with his... read more
Bill Anschell - Figments
by Dan McClenaghan, All About Jazz
Pianist Bill Anschell normally involves himself in projects that shine with a high polish, recordings like the Wellstone Conspiracy's collaborative Motives (Origin, 2010) and his own More to the Ear than Meets the Eye (Origin, 2006), or in the sideman slot on the marvelous Reunion, led by saxophonists Pete Christlieb and Hadley Caliman. In addition, Anschell served as Nnenna Freelon's pianist/arranger/musical director for a number of years,... read more
Darrell Grant - Truth And Reconciliation
by Steve Leggett, All Music Guide
Pianist Darrell Grant showcases some of neo-bop's strengths on this ambitious two-disc set from Origin Records. Looking back to the bop era for inspiration, Grant also astutely mixes in classical elements, folk themes, flirts with light R&B, and walks surely and boldly into pop territory, all through a bop lens from the vantage point of the 21st century. Working with guitarists Bill Frisell and Adam Rogers, saxophonist Steve Wilson, vibist Joe... read more
Benny Powell - Nextep
by Dan McClenaghan, All About Jazz.com
If Benny Powell doesn't sound familiar, he should be. He's recorded memorable work with Count Basie (a classic solo on "April in Paris") and on pianist Randy Weston's African Sunrise (Polygram Records, 1992). He's also been heard in countless recordings with Frank Sinatra, Duke Ellington, Joe Henderson, Sarah Vaughn and as part of Merv Griffin's TV show band. Certainly, Benny Powell is a versatile veteran jazz man.
On Nextep, Powell assembles... read more
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