Origin Records Reviews

Richard Cole - Inner Mission
by Ric Bang, JazzScan.com

This is another release from the great musicians who have made the Pacific Northwest their home; only world-famous trumpeter Randy Brecker resides elsewhere. This Seattle-area congregation consists of more than a dozen musicians who perform in various quartets and quintets, depending on the track.

Brecker and Thomas Marriott handle the trumpet and flugelhorn; Richard Cole plays both tenor and soprano sax; and Bill Anschell and John Hansen... read more

Last Word Quintet - Falling to Earth
by Ferdinand Dupuis-Panther, Jazz'halo (Belgium)

We can read the following about the quintet and its creation on the Origin Records label website: "Born from a chance musical encounter at Chicago's Uptown Poetry Slam in 2017, The Last Word Quintet is a collaboration between four of Chicago's more active musicians and songwriters, with Marc Kelly Smith, a performance poet and a leader of the worldwide poetry slam movement. In an intense and amazingly short period of time they seamlessly wove... read more

Ark Ovrutski - Intersection
by Thomas Conrad, JazzTimes

Intersection is an unusual combination of personalities. Ark Ovrutski, originally from the Ukraine, is a bassist given to dark, heavy, solemn solos. But he likes to surround himself with light-footed Brazilians (pianist Helio Alves, drummer Duduka Da Fonseca) and American speed demons (trombonist Michael Dease, saxophonist Michael Thomas). The net effect is exemplified by the opening track, "Waltz for Debby." Bill Evans' tune is one... read more

James Moody - 80 Years Young: Live at the Blue Note, March 26, 2005
by Tom Hull, Tom Hull On the Web

Bebop saxophonist (1925-2010), mostly tenor, also played quite a bit of flute, joined Dizzy Gillespie in 1946 and was a regular in his various bands, while he established his own career with "Moody's Mood for Love" in 1952. He opens this 80th birthday bash singing "Benny's From Heaven," badly at first but so infectiously he won me over. He opened with a solid band -- David Hazeltine (piano), Todd Coolman (bass), and Adam Nussbaum (drums) -- then... read more

John Moulder - Decade: Memoirs
by Michael J. West, DOWNBEAT

The lovely Decade: Memoirs is as pastoral as the photograph on its cover - not exactly the expectation for a Chicagoan, like guitarist John Moulder. The heavy folk and country vibe, the spaciousness and high-note reaches of "About Us" and its separately tracked introduction are a natural fit for Moulder's flat-picked acoustic guitar; during the introduction, he even sounds like a dulcimer. "One Last Call" goes so far as to paraphrase the vamp... read more

Maddie Vogler - While We Have Time
by Dorothea Gängel, Jazz'n'More (Switzerland)

Chicago-born saxophonist Maddie Vogler presents nine pieces on her debut album that reflect her exploration of her Cuban roots. Energetic, rhythmic and yet full of melodic gentleness, the original compositions showcase the young musician's great skills. She always gives her five bandmates the opportunity to step into the spotlight. At the forefront is her former teacher and mentor, Tito Carrillo, on the trumpet and flugelhorn. An impressive... read more

Piet Verbist - Zygomatik
by Dave Sumner, emusic Review

An album that has all types of swagger and sway. Bassist Verbist creates a groove that is all about Serious Cool, yet undeniably thoughtful and even cerebral at times. Bram Weijters on the keys, which is a big bonus from a sideman standpoint. One of those albums that can appeal to modern jazz enthusiasts and old school jazz fans alike. Non-jazz reference: Fans of Morphine should take a listen to this. Highly... read more

Scott Reeves - Portraits and Places
by Robert Rusch, Cadence

SCOTT REEVES' [flg] Jazz Orchestra has come out with PORTRAITS AND PLACES [Origin 82710] a 1/6&7/15 recording of his big band. Steve Wilson [ss/as/flt] is the feature but this band is packed with talent including Jim Ridl [p], Tim Armacost [ts], Bill Mobley [tpt], Vito Chiavuzzo [as], Nathan Eklund [tpt], Andy Watson [drm], Matt McDonald [tbn], Max Seigel [bass tbn], Terry Goss [bari/bass clt] and Seneca Black [lead tmpt] all of whom have solo... read more

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