I usually have mixed emotions about repertory Jazz orchestras. On the one hand, they're not playing anything I've not heard before; on the other, the music that comprises the very bedrock of Jazz certainly deserves to be heard again and again. I suppose that, when all is said and done, one's response to revisiting the music of yesteryear depends on the scope of the band's repertoire and how well it is played. The seven-year-old Seattle Repertory... read more
Do they still give out Grammy Awards for best cover art? If so, here's a nominee: a peaceful retriever in repose, chin on the floor, captured in a sanguine tone on Matt Jorgensen + 451's Hope.
A great cover, of course, does not a successful CD make. It's the music.
The music on Hope -- sax and rhythm section outing with additional sax on five of the eleven tunes, with the warm tones of a trombone on another -- falls into that familiar... read more
If the business of big business wasn't something that always gets in the way and grinds things down, this is probably what impressionistic, Windham Hill jazz would sound like today. Skillfully played by a bunch of cousins that used to do this all the time, it's deep yet easy going and always on the money and in the pocket. Much more than just pretty playing, this might well be the cure for what ails ya. Killer... read more
Nigerian-born, London-raised, tenor sax player Zem Audu presents his own take on funky soul or fusion jazz. Having first explored piano and guitar, Audu eventually settled on sax and studied with Courtney Pine as well as with Jean Toussaint at Trinity College of Music. This is his second release as a leader. He composed all of the songs on the disc, which also features Mike Stern (guitar), Benito Gonzales (piano), Ben Williams (bass) and John... read more
An excellent modern soul-jazz outing, Roll with It marks guitarist Corey Christiansen's second outing as a bandleader, and showcases some outstanding playing by the quartet. The pieces are all straightforward soul-jazz compositions, all from the pen of Christiansen, and all give the players, a motley crew from around the country, room to stretch out on extended solos and a general sense of improvisation. Though the compositions provide a core... read more
Guitarist Hugo Fernandez, originally from Mexico, now based in Madrid, has released Cosmogram, his second date as a leader, with the help of countryman drummer Antonio Sanchez, Cuban saxophonist Ariel Bringuez and Spanish bassist Antonio Miguel. A relaxed set with hummable originals, all composed by Fernandez, the music is highly accessible with gentle surprises. Although he's the team captain, Fernandez is more of a midfielder at heart,... read more
5-STARS Saxophonist Jordan VanHemert has hired an all-star band for his album. This includes the outstanding trumpeter Terell Stafford, the exquisite trombonist Michael Dease and the fantastic rhythm section with Helen Sung, Rodney Whitaker and Lewis Nash. The sextet plays at the highest level and adds highlights to the eight compositions. The first track, Sharel Cassity's "Call to Order" with rousing solos from trumpet, piano, alto... read more
4-STARS A piano trio led by a drummer? While that may not always be The Natural Order of Things, it is here. The drummer is the veteran Ted Moore, his teammates the talented pianist Phil Markowitz and rock-solid bassist Kai Eckhardt. Moore composed and arranged (almost) all of the music, which enlivens themes from Brazil and Spain, embraces the classical canon, and embodies earnest tributes to Chick Corea and Miles Davis / Joe... read more
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.
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