Browse some recent Origin Reviews.
Rich Thompson - Less Is More
by Jeff Krow, Audiophile Audition
A cast of heavyweight talent?
****1/2 Stars
Origin Records has pulled in first string talent for drummer Rich Thompson's second release for the label. Thompson, who has been a jazz educator for the Eastman School of Music, as well as having a tenure with a Count Basie tribute band, has a quintet with all-star pedigree, including the virtuosic trumpeter Terrell Stafford, and multi-instrumentalist Gary Versace, both who... read more
Deep Blue Organ Trio - Folk Music
by Rick Anderson, Notes, June 2008
The "organ trio" format is one of the most venerable and fiercely defended combo configurations in jazz. Organists are generally adamant that no bass is needed, and take pride in being able to provide running basslines themselves using the pedals of the Hammond B3 organ (the preferred instrument in this configuration) while playing melody and chordal accompaniment on the manuals?and soloing, of course. This trio, comprised of organist Chris... read more
Steve Korn - Here and Now
by Josef Woodward, Jazz Times
Stereotypes be damned: Drummers can be creative spark plugs at the head of a band, regardless of where they sit on stage. Sometimes, they're blessed with a greater sense of musical overview than other instrumentalists. It makes sense, coming from musicians who juggle support and expression on a continuous basis. Two recent releases by lesser-known drummer-leaders worth watching sport an impressive overall musicality. Steve Korn's debut album as... read more
Josh Nelson - Exploring Mars
by Carol Banks Weber, AXS
Josh Nelson's known in L.A. as an in-demand sideman and session player for jazz vocalists like Sara Gazarek ("Blossom & Bee") and Kathleen Grace ("No Place To Fall"). He often takes over the show, suspending vocal animation, with his imaginative comps and classically induced solos that seek to beautify the story without over-embellishing. But he is also a surprising solo artist with a universal language all his own, as fans of his albums... read more
Brent Jensen / Rob Walker Quintet - Art of the Groove
by Dan McClenaghan, All About Jazz
It seems fitting that Art of the Groove came out in mid-May, about a week before the late Miles Davis's birthday. The set spends some time -- and spends it well -- saluting the late trumpeter, most notably on the opener, with "Straight From Miles." Flugelhornist Rob Walker wrote the tune with phrases from the '58 recording of Davis's take on Thelonious Monk's "Straight, No Chaser." If this one doesn't have you thinking of Davis's '58 Milestones... read more
Gregg Keplinger and Rick Mandyck - Tribute
by Jon Davis, Expose
The sax/drums duo is not an especially common one in jazz. By its very nature, this combination lends itself to very exploratory playing, even when pre-existing compositions are involved. In this particular case, tenor saxist Mandyck and drummer Keplinger take on a couple of Coltrane tunes, Ellington's "I Can't Get Started" and three Mandyck originals. Keplinger uses his full kit, and isn't afraid to hit the drums, as on the trio recording with... read more
Hal Galper / Reggie Workman / Rashied Ali - Art-Work
by Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
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
Matt Jorgensen + 451 - Another Morning
by Peter Monaghan, Earshot Jazz
Also on Origin is Matt Jorgensen +451, one of the most impressive live jazz bands in this region, with the potential to impress far afield. Their live performances are at times stunning -- supertight and driving. On disc, as live, the quartet has great confidence. Listening to them, you really do believe that there is every reason why their sound is arrayed their way, which, when you think about it, is a most curious thing.
Another... read more
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