Browse some recent Origin Reviews.
Joonsam - A Door
by Izzy Yellin, Downbeat Magazine
Perfect for a rainy day inside, bandleader and bassist Joonsam's debut album, A Door, is an eclectic offering that documents the musician's past experiences in New York City. A classically trained bassist from Seoul, South Korea, Joonsam has lived in the city for nine years, having played various settings there. On his latest effort, he absorbs and expands upon the intricacies of each.
There's a strong emphasis on orchestration - each of the... read more
Andrew Rathbun Large Ensemble - The Atwood Suites
by Richard B. Kamins, Step Tempest
Canadian-born poet, essayist, and novelist Margaret Atwood (born Ottawa, Ontario, Canada) 1939) is currently enjoying renewed popularity these days thanks to HULU's production of "The Handmaid's Tale" and NETFLIX's production of "Alias Grace." Her depictions of dystopian societies hits home in this time of Boko Haram and ISIS. Before her novels became popular, she wrote numerous volumes of poetry and that's where composer and saxophonist Andrew... read more
Brent Jensen w/ Bill Anschell, Jeff Johnson, John Bishop - One More Mile
by Scott Albin, JazzTimes
For his fifth Origin CD, Idaho-based Brent Jensen parts ways with his alto sax to perform exclusively on the soprano, and proves to be just as proficient and engaging on the straight horn. With the inspired support of his fellow Origin recording artists from Seattle?the trio of pianist Bill Anschell, bassist Jeff Johnson and drummer (and label founder) John Bishop?the gifted Jensen impresses throughout a wide-ranging set of tunes.
The loping... read more
Free Range Saxophone Quartet - Fireflies
by C. Michael Bailey, All About Jazz
Since inception, the Origin Classical imprint has existed as a stylistic hinge between classical music and jazz. Defying genre definition, Origin Classical's archive should properly be considered simply music?that which defies category. Only a single release, Linda Tsatsanis and John Lenti's And I Remain: Three Love Stories?Music of the Seventeenth Century for Voice and Lute (Origin Classical, 2009), deals with what might be considered the... read more
Marc Seales - American Songs, Volume 2: Blues...and Jazz
by Chris Spector, Midwest Record
Talk about being in the right place at the right time! Why do you know the opening track on this set by the long time mainstay of Seattle jazz? Because it's a music file in Windows XP making it one of the most listened to pieces of jazz this side of Vince Guaraldi's Charlie Brown themes. With more meat on it's bones than Eno's ta da wave, he knowingly rolls out a set of mostly originals with a little reliance on Miles and Trane for a piano... read more
Mike Pope - The Parts You Keep
by George W Harris, Jazz Weekly
Bassist Mike Pope brings in a muscular and tasteful team of Geoffrey Keezer/p-k, Nate Smith/dr, Roxy Coss/ts-ss, Randy Brecker/tp-fh, Amaury Cabral/g, Ann Almond Pope/p and a guest string quartet for a swinging yet lyrical mix of standards, originals and even some classical. Of the latter, Pope lights the candles for the glistening title tune while going Old World rich on "Spharenmusik". Keezer taps into his inner Herbie Hancock as he gets... read more
Roy Assaf & Eddy Khaimovich Quartet - Andarta
by Jeff Wanser, CD HotList
Granted, the group doesn't have the catchiest name, but give them a chance. This pianist and bassist are joined by Ronen Itzik on drums and saxophonist Robin Verheyen to create a distinctive debut, with some help on several tracks from Roy Hargrove. They mix rhythmic complexity and harmonic experimentation into the mix without losing sight of the post-bop verities. The leaders leave plenty of space for solos as well as interaction, and everyone... read more
Michael Dease - MSU Jazz Trombones: Spartan Strong
by Thierry De Clemensat, Paris-Move
5 STARS
Michael Dease ranks among the most luminous trombonists of his generation. Over the course of a career defined by stylistic range and artistic rigor, he has collaborated with figures as diverse as Christian McBride and Alicia Keys. A recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship in 2025 and a senior figure in the renowned jazz department led by Rodney Whitaker at Michigan State University, Dease has been instrumental in reinforcing the... read more
Looking for a specific review?
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.
Search Reviews:
Recently Added Reviews:
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