Rich Thompson is, or course, a drummer and educator best known as a recent drummer with the Count Basie orchestra. He assembles quite the spanking band on Less is More, filling his trumpet chair with Terell Stafford, who helps turn this collection of originals and carefully chosen standards into something special. An acoustic jazz outing, Thompson and, by extension, Stafford fold ten carefully crafted pieces into a finely integrated recital.... read more
A surprising debut! Ruble sounds like a well-seasoned performer with a voice that is uncannily happy and mournful at the same time. She covers standard Cole Porter, Hoagy Carmichael, and Rodgers/Hammerstein material as well as James Taylor. A versatile performer with a great band behind her. Hope for more in the future. Highly recommended.... read more
You don't have to be from the Northwest to appreciate this Seattle legend. He played with Fats Navarro and Charlie Parker in the 40's and returned to recording in the 80's. Don had a buttery tone in that mellow zone somewhere between Lester Young and Coleman Hawkins. The only other player who had this kind of sound was Bud Johnson - like melting amber, warm honey. Lanphere mixes master technical craftsmanship with the taste and wisdom of an... read more
On Bobby Broom Plays for Monk, Sonny Rollins veteran strummer Bobby Broom trots out an enjoyable collection of well-known Monk pieces. Monk's instrumental style was so idiosyncratic that few have dared follow him down that particular path so his influence has tended to be greater as a composer. Of course, he was also idiosyncratic as a composer too, but this is on of his strengths--no two Monk tunes sound alike. This makes it relatively easy... read more
This CD was designed as a tribute to Dr. Billy Taylor, the veteran jazz pianist who has been playing for 65 years now and is counted by Ms Williams as a friend. He has also booked her to play at various prestigious events and, as she puts it, they have spent time 'hanging out together for a few hours.' The music, all original compositions by Jessica, is played on a beautifully tuned and recorded concert grand and presents this particular pianist... read more
Josh Nelson's The Sky Remains is an unusual tribute to Los Angeles. It pays homage to L.A.'s rich architectural history, much of which has disappeared due to the demolition of historic buildings through the years. The title "The Sky Remains" refers to the fact that at least the sky has not been destroyed.
The pianist composed and arranged ten originals which form a suite. He pays tribute to the bridges of L.A., the architects, a Civil Rights... read more
John Moulder has released a gem on Origin, entitled Trinity. This album is an excellent introduction to the man, the musician and the scholar. For those who do not know John Moulder, Father John, is an ordained priest at St. Gregory's in Chicago. He is a brilliant scholar, composer and artistic musician.
The compositions on this album reflect not only his brilliance as a composer and master improviser, but they give you an insight to his view... read more
This CD represents the fine pianist, Jessica Williams', solo tribute to her mentor and friend, Dr. Billy Taylor. She wrote all the songs, and they show her impressive range and ability.
Honoree Taylor began his piano career with Ben Webster in the '40s and went on to lead his own groups through the decades. From the beginning, Taylor also became involved with jazz education and publication. Over the years he also had his own radio program on... 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