Browse some recent Origin Reviews.
Jordan VanHemert - Survival of the Fittest
by Scott Yanow, Los Angeles Jazz Scene
Tenor saxophonist Jordan VanHemert's fifth album as a leader, Survival Of The Fittest, was partly borne out of anger and distress after losing a teaching job due to budget cuts (he has since found one at a different college) and his experiences with racism in general. Despite that, the music on this release (five originals, "Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise," "Come Sunday," a Korean folk song, and a blues) is generally hopeful,... read more
Giacomo Gates - Centerpiece
by Elliott Simon, All About Jazz/New York
Whether lending his smooth baritone to a ballad or practicing the art of vocalese, Giacomo Gates brings a sense of honesty to a song. So much so, that when he says straightfaced that the trombonist hasn't shown and then proceeds to fill the void with the best mouth trombone you ever want to hear, you believe him. Gates' on and offstage persona reflects a genuineness borne of working the Alaskan pipeline and oil rigs off the shores of Lake... read more
Joe Locke - Subtle Disguise
by FILIPE FREITAS, JazzTrail
In a career spanning nearly four decades, vibraphonist Joe Locke conquered a high-ranking place among the most versatile mallet men in jazz. On his latest album, Subtle Disguise, he is edgier than ever, presenting two covers and seven original compositions, which are elevated to a superior dimension by the presence of exceptional colorists such as saxophonist David Binney and guitarists Adam Rogers and Raul Midón.
The eloquent saxman makes... read more
Laurie Antonioli - Songs of Shadow, Songs of Light
by Mike Jurkovic, Elmore Magazine
Tribute records come and go, all but a few failing their vaunted goal. Sound-alike's abound: rote country versions, routine roots variations and strident schizo-genre adaptations. Gratefully, Antonioli's nod to Joni Mitchell, Songs of Shadow, Songs of Light is brazenly infused with the fearless creativity that we, and she, salute Ms. Mitchell for time and time again.
Though none of these 13 songs postdate 1975, Antonioli, an... read more
Oscar Hernández & Alma Libre - The Art of Latin Jazz
by George W. Harris, Jazz Weekly
This session by pianist/composer Oscar Hernandez is strong on both art and Latin Jazz. He brings together a top notch team of Justo Almario/ts-fl, Jimmy Branly/dr, Christian Moraga/perc and Jorge Perez/b for ten sizzling originals. Trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos guests the slinking "Right On" while he teams with Almario for a peppy title track. The percussion dazzles on the snappy "Timeshift" and bops with delight on "ESPN Blues" while the leader... read more
Christopher Icasiano - Provinces
by Gregg Daniel Miller, Free Jazz Blog
4 1/2 STARS I had to listen to this record for months before I could write about it. It's that different. Percussion solo records are an interesting breed, and this one doesn't remind me of anything.
Icasiano's percussiveness is all about the pacing and grouping of the beats. Clusters, clusters, driving and then receding, with crisscross patterns emerging from the maelstrom. Psychedelic. Disorienting. There is no "one," and while... read more
Peter Lerner - Continuation
by Chris Spector, Midwest Record
How about some real Chicago jazz? Ace guitar man Lerner spent two years whipping this crew into shape so her could craft a band date tipping the cap to his mentor, piano man Willie Pickens, who is part of the band. It's fully Chicago jazz with a modern edge played by a crew that's really on board. Mostly originals with Miles nephew at the wheel, there's plenty here to perk up the most jaded ears. A smashing set that really knows hot to... read more
Barry Greene - Giants
by Jack Bowers, All About Jazz
The Giants singled out by guitarist Barry Greene on his recording of that name include a number of musicians who served as role models and helped shape his singular musical voice. Pat Martino is one, as are Grant Green, Wes Montgomery, Russell Malone and Pat Metheny, each one a stepping-stone on Greene's upward path toward self-identity and mastery of his instrument of choice. Greene paid it forward by teaching for more than thirty years at the... read more
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