Tito Carrillo is back with his second Origin Records release called Urbanessence. The trumpeter and composer says of the album, "I love the energy of the city, always have. Having been born in Austin, TX, and raised musically in Chicago, I've always been drawn to the melting pot, the high-energy pace, the festivals, the food, the diversity of cultures, and, of course, the music. As my career as a performer morphed into a career as a... read more
Saxophonist Geof Bradfield's experiences traveling and performing in Rwanda, Congo, Uganda, and Zimbabwe in 2008 were the inspiration for African Flowers. Bradfield was a member of pianist Ryan Cohan's quartet, and the band took part in a US State Department/Jazz at Lincoln Center tour. This extended work for sextet features excellent writing and strong musicianship from Cohan, guitarist Jeff Parker, trumpeter Victor Garcia, bassist Clark... read more
EEA are a trio of jazz faculty members at the University of Nevada, Reno, consisting of saxophonist Peter Epstein, trumpeter Larry Engstrom, and pianist David Ake. The lack of additional rhythm instruments gives the players both plenty of freedom and responsibility, which they handle well. The trio's three group improvisations stand out with potent interplay, with the first sounding as if it could be used as a film soundtrack. Ake composed... read more
I've been residing in Los Angeles for approximately two decades, and there are things I've come to really love about this city. Certain places, certain buildings, even certain roads. There really is a special feel to this city, which when looked at in a certain light can be almost magical. Fellow Los Angeles resident Josh Nelson explores different areas of the city on his new album, The Sky Remains. He is interested in capturing and conveying... read more
Trombonist came up with a brilliant idea on his last album in putting together material from the catalogue of composer Gregg Hill. He keeps playing the winning hand on this new release, but with a larger ensemble in Virginia MacDonald/cl, Sharel Cassity/fl-as, Rudresh Mahanthappa/as, Jason Hainsworth/ts, Matt White/tp, Nanami Haruta/tb, Bill Cunliffe/p-key, Katie Thiroux/b, Colleen Clark/dr and Gwendolyn Dease/perc.
Dease also doubles on... read more
It's obvious that these three musicians have an "affinity" for each other and the music they make together. The drumless trio format makes the presentation more intimate, and the extra space in the soundscape makes the performance of familiar material unique. There's no lack of rhythmic drive, though, due to Clay Schaub's propulsive bass and intuitive locking in with Pamela York's piano backing. The program is enjoyable with a distinctive... read more
O's Time is a remarkable CD that finds Hal Galper in splendid form and documents both his expressive richness and relevant creativity. Emblematic of a particular group of jazz musicians - the musician's musician - Hal Galper offers a fascinating journey and imaginative explorations of some standards.
Without Voltage dips, the flowery interplay of his trio is the flywheel of a vibrant path, made of clear melodic leaps and exuberant... read more
The group RadioAction is made up four young, modern jazz artists working out of the New York area, although recorded here by the West Coast label, Origin. These artists have something to say with their interpretation of the items on the play list, whether it be one of the original compositions or a jazz or classic standard. The tone of their conversation is sometimes piercing as guided by the alto sax of Alex Graham and Whitney Ashe's piano on... 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