Browse some recent Origin Reviews.
Grete Skarpeid - Beyond Other Stories
by Ron Schepper, Textura
A wonderful partnership began when Afro-Cuban pianist Aruán Ortiz, then on a Norway tour with jazz clarinetist Don Byron, met Grete Skarpeid at the Voss Jazz Club. When the Norwegian singer-songwriter shared her material with Ortiz, he was completely won over, so much so it led to their working together on her debut album My Songs in 2016. Pooling their talents again, Beyond Other Stories features tens songs that blend her distinctive voice and... read more
Geof Bradfield - Our Roots
by Thomas Cunniffe, Jazz History Online
Back in 1965, Clifford Jordan recorded an album of songs written by Leadbelly called "These Are My Roots". The album recast several folk tunes and blues in a modern jazz style without losing the flavor of the original songs. When Chicago tenor saxophonist Geof Bradfield was asked to recreate a classic jazz album of his choosing for a local concert series, he chose the Jordan album, and on his new CD, "Our Roots", he reprises four of those tracks... read more
Jon Alberts / Jeff Johnson / Tad Britton - Apothecary
by Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
One of the greatest challenges that jazz musicians face is seeking fresh approaches to well-known songs. Fortunately, pianist Jon Alberts has performed with his bandmates for the past two decades and they make familiar music sound new. Bassist Jeff Johnson and drummer Tad Britton make the most of the subtle take of "On Green Dolphin Street," in which Johnson's accompaniment and solo lines resist predictable paths and Britton's stripped-down drum... read more
Clipper Anderson - The Road Home
by Ric Bang, Jazz Scan
Clipper Anderson is another of the seemingly innumerable jazz artists who reside and work in the Pacific Northwest. Born and schooled in Montana, Anderson began to play the electric bass while in high school, then switched to the acoustic instrument during his tenure at the University of Montana. In addition to being part of the Seattle area?s extensive jazz cadre, he?s an active studio musician, teaches jazz bass at Pacific Lutheran University,... read more
Joe Locke - Subtle Disguise
by Jay N. Miller, Milford Daily News
The best jazz albums of 2018 We wrote about vibist Locke a couple months ago, and this is a delectable piece of work, with seven of the nine tunes here his compositions. "Red Cloud" is a tribute to the Sioux chief, a muscular theme where guest David Binney's alto sax seems to depict things spinning out of control, until Locke's absolutely riveting vibes melody works through to a sort of transcendence. Bob Dylan's "Who Killed Davey... read more
Todd Bishop - Travelogue
by Dave Sumner, Wondering Sound
Solid new release from drummer Bishop, following on the heels of Little Played Little Bird, his reinterpretation of obscure Ornette Coleman tunes, and one of the best things released in 2012. This time around, he gets closer to a straight-ahead modern post-bop sound, but the same odd fluidity he brought to Coleman's music, he applies here, too, making straight-ahead music move in directions other than straight. A quartet session with... read more
Chad McCullough | Michal Vanoucek - The Sky Cries
by George Fendel, Jazz Society of Oregon
Seattleite Chad McCullough enlists the help of Northwest stalwarts Mark Taylor, alto saxophone, Dave Captein, bass, and Matt Jorgenson, drums, in addition to European pianist Michael Vanoucek, on a selection of original material. McCullough and Vanoucek's writing encompasses varied moods, tempos and sonic nuances. All the players have shining solo opportunities, but McCullough's silvery tone stands out as something... read more
Chris Walden Big Band - Full-On!
by Carol Banks Weber, AXS
Chris Walden's been so busy scoring and arranging other people's projects, he barely has time for his own music. The five-time-Grammy-nominated, German composer/arranger hasn't put out his own record in seven years, not since the wonderfully received Kurt Marti Suite. He's been too busy writing arrangements for stars like Diana Krall, Aretha Franklin, Barbra Streisand, Michael Bublé, Neil Young, Stevie Wonder, Christopher Cross,... 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