For a few years now, veteran pianist Hal Galper has been experimenting with an approach to jazz improvisation that he refers to as "rubato." This concept, as demonstrated on a series of recordings for Origin Records, uses familiar pieces and song forms and takes rather spontaneous liberty with tempo and tune structure. This may not seem like anything too out of the ordinary for the solo pianist, but within the context of a trio it would appear... read more
Bassist David Friesen plays the unique looking Hemage bass guitar in his trio with Greg Goebel/p and Charlie Doggett/dr though eleven originals. The team displays a touch of the cap to Bill Evans on the gentle waltz "Everything We Are" and the softly subtle "Side Step" with Doggett brushing up on "Turn In The Road." Friesen leads the team through a 5/4 dance on"Bright Light Sky" and does some soft spacious work on "Another Time, Another Place"... read more
Hal Galper's recordings always have an adventurous spirit, and the live CD Art-Work is no exception. The veteran pianist, joined by bassist Reggie Workman and drummer Rashid Ali (both veterans of John Coltrane's bands, though not at the same time), launches into a furious exploration of Duke Ellington's simple riff blues "Take the Coltrane," though Galper incorporates dissonance into the introduction and quickly builds steam as he takes the... read more
The trio Scenes, consisting of guitarist John Stowell, bassist Jeff Johnson, and drummer John Bishop, had been working together for nearly a decade by the time of their second recording session. Johnson and Bishop are very familiar from working with one another in pianist Hal Galper's trio as well, while Stowell is a refreshing change from guitarists who hog the spotlight with busy solos, opting instead to make ample use of space. Johnson... read more
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
The trombonist and baritone saxophonist Micheal Dease explores the works of Gregg Hill, and he's got an excellent cast with him or the adventurous 10 tracks.
The busy and animated "The Last Pop Tune" starts the listen with Bill Cunliffe's flowing keys and Sharel Cassity's bright flute making an impression, and the title track follows with a calmer mood, where Gwendolyn Dease's dreamy marimba suits the well-timed winds and brass... read more
Stowell's inventive, warm approach to the guitar with a delicate touch meets Zilber, whit his big saxophone sound and edgy intensity. They have found a musical vocabulary across the past decade in duo, trio and quartet formats. This is their second quartet undertaking and was recorded live at the California Jazz Conservatory in Berkeley, California. They are joined by the large warm sometimes rumbling bass work of John Shifflett and the... read more
Seattle-based pianist Bill Anschell's latest CD, Shifting Standards, is very well suited to the title. He and his trio colleagues offer some melodic invention, rhythmic twists and fresh takes on nine celebrated standards. His bassist, Jeff Johnson, has been a Seattle treasure for many years. Drummer D'Vonne Lewis, a new name to me, offers subtle but strong support. The essence of these nine classics is examined with care and cohesiveness, and... 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
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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
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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