AMG EXPERT REVIEW: Guitarist John Stowell joins the trio of bassist Jeff Johnson, drummer John Bishop, and tenor saxophonist Rick Mandyck on this mellow, intensely reflective recording. Stowell is an exceptional musician whose lyrical and nimble fret-work stands beside such other luminaries as Jim Hall and Bill Frissel. Having received many accolades in recent years, Scenes is a good example of why Stowell deserves even wider recognition. A... read more
5-STARS I met John Moulder thanks to the Chicago drummer Paul Wertico, who presents avant-garde fusion with his teams with Moulder. He remains one of the most underestimated jazz guitarists in the world. His work combines elements of both jazz tradition, jazz-rock, blues and folk. This Chicago guitarist and composer has developed a characteristic, recognizable style over the years - intense and rapacious, he is a hellishly exact,... read more
One of the ways jazz has grown is by absorbing the sounds and rhythms of other cultures. African and Latin American music were strong early influences. Today, India is making waves. Since classical Indian music has always included extensive improvisation, it seems it might have happened sooner. However, while spirituals, rumbas and African drums readily appeal to Western ears, Indian raga is a more difficult fit, its scales more exotic, its... read more
Recorded in a live session for a local radio station, 451: The Sonarchy Session covers much of the same ground as the very nice The Road Begins Here album, but with a change in players on the sax and the Fender Rhodes, a slightly different set list, and an additional level of the live dynamic. The action centers around Jorgensen on the drums and a heavy dose of the Rhodes courtesy of Ryan Burns. Some of the better selections from previous... read more
Alison Rble's gemlike voice recalls the crystalline beauty and purity of the young Joni Mitchell. Befitting such a jewel, the settings are equally fine. Guitarist John McLean has fashioned 11 thoughtful arrangements, hitting each tune's core with the skill and precision of an expert marksmen. If only the same could be said of Ruble.
Traversing a wide-ranging playlist that extends from Cole Porter ("So In Love") to James Taylor ("Something in... read more
Bassist David Friesen often goes to his secondary instrument—the piano—to add new dimensions in color and texture to his recordings. But completely putting aside his main axe to focus on musing from the bench, as he does on this outing, is a step beyond the norm. Patiently working his fingers around a welcoming Ravenscroft grand, Friesen creates a series of attractive and unostentatious miniatures embodying quietude. Taken together, these... read more
With a foot in several worlds at once, sax man Vega can tear it up in Chicago while teaching in Florida while going straight ahead with Doc Severinsen after tearing it up Latin style with Arturo Sandoval. This is one cat that can make your head spin. Here we find him with some local Chicago cats mixing improv with experimental with free form tying it all up in a nice left leaning bow. High octane stuff with loads of genre blending for those... read more
Although one has to deal with smog, jammed freeways and 16 jillion people, LA's okay if you're a big band leader. That's because you can find monsters like Bobby Shew, Pete Christlieb and Carl Saunders to play in your band. And if you know your turf pretty well, there are tons of additional first rate players to fill those band chairs. This is what leader Chris Walden has done. His is music with swagger; arranged to showcase both the... 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