Browse some recent Origin Reviews.
Jessica Williams - Touch
by George Fendel, Oregon Jazz Scene
Williams might say otherwise, but really, she has nothing to prove. Each new CD she has brought out in recent years is a passionate and joyous journey. Especially so is this new CD, where she plays solo and allows the piano to sing exquisite melodies, both hers and those of others. The opener is Gershwin's "I Loves You Porgy," and it receives a nearly rhapsodic treatment, played as lovingly as possible. Williams has composed prolifically over... read more
Scenes - Destinations
by Dan Bilawsky, All About Jazz
4-STARS There are wondrous stories to be found in everything the eye can see, the ear can hear, and the imagination can dream up. Scenes - the trio of guitarist John Stowell, bassist Jeff Johnson, and drummer John Bishop - has been readily and steadily making that point for more than fifteen years, harnessing natural beauty and concocting chimerical designs that extol the virtues of elasticity, mutability, and high-level communication.... read more
Les DeMerle - Hittin' the Blue Notes, Volume 2
by Dick Crockett, Sacramento Radio
A nu-bop version to what's happening then...now! This is hard bop with a west coast swinging so grab your sweet other's hand and do some half time. This is more physical, then cerebral Bacchus celebration. We played Bobby Troup's "Route 66." Let's be clear about this, De Merle would bring the house down in Vegas with this DeMerle-a-la-mena. You open and ratchet up a first listen on this new one and you'll know for sure. The DeMerle Band jumps,... read more
Bill Anschell - Figments
by George Fendel, Jazz Society of Oregon
It's true, you can go wherever you wish with a mind-boggling 88 keys when you're going it alone. And so it is that Anschell takes us on an intriguing journey of creativity on this solo album. He begins the proceedings with a very different take on "My Heart Belongs to Daddy." I'd think that Cole Porter would have dug it! Next comes Cahn-Van Heusen's gorgeous "All My Tomorrows," a tune seemingly being rediscovered decades after it was written.... read more
Les DeMerle Sound 67 - Once in a Lifetime
by Cedric Hendrix, Cedric Songs
Within two measures, no doubt remains that Les DeMerle's Once in a Lifetime is a jazz drummer's record. But despite its burning intensity, put aside the desire to compare this drummer with Buddy Rich when a snare drum roll is played. DeMerle is his own drummer, with a groove that swings hard regardless of the song's tempo. This album has gone unknown since its initial recording in 1967. In fact, it was mistakenly believed his '69 release... read more
Jared Hall - Hometown
by Jack Bowers, All About Jazz
4-STARS The Hometown in question is Spokane, Washington, where trumpeter and composer Jared Hall was born and raised. On his third album for Origin Records, Hall salutes the hometown to which he has returned after years as a touring musician with a splendid series of his original compositions and new readings of others by Bobby Hutcherson and Thelonious Monk.
To help carry out his plan, Hall enlisted the services of four stellar... read more
Robby Ameen - Diluvio
by Dan Bilawsky, All About Jazz
4-STARS Perhaps it's a flood of rhythm that the title and cover art refer to on this third leader outing from drumming dynamo Robby Ameen. A heavy hitter in Afro-Cuban circles for decades, Ameen's frangible linear Latin funk workouts, intricate rhythmic roadmapping, song-serving chops and good taste have earned him an overwhelmingly positive reputation. Everybody from musical polymath Rubén Blades to flutist Dave Valentin and pianist... read more
Ray LeVier - Ray's Way
by Don Lerman, Cadence
Leader and drummer Ray Levier utilizes a top-notch cast of musicians in different group combinations ranging from trio to quintet size in this excellent concert of mostly original music. The pairing of John Abercrombie and Joe Locke on guitar and vibes occurs on five of the nine selections, performing thought-provoking originals from each core group member, including Abercrombie's "Ralph's Piano Waltz," bassist Francois Moutin's "Echoing," and... read more
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