The first major album of the young New York pianist and composer Brittany Anjou, is a suite in five parts composed around esperanto, the international "built" language.
As for the English title of Brittany Anjou's album, "Reciprocal Love", which becomes "Enamiĝo Reciprokataj" (pronounced En-äh-mee-joh Reh-sih-pro-kah-tye ), the same goes for for the traditional language of jazz piano. She likes to translate it into something very... read more
A young big band conductor. A rarity to be sure, but not necessarily an oxymoron. Chris Walden proves that in this album, a surprisingly versatile primer of the big band. Walden can use traditional techniques, with a soloist over the top of a soft backing of horns, as you'll hear in the Christopher Cross-penned "Rainy Day in Vancouver," as well as his own Film Noir series. He can invoke the spirit of Tadd Dameron's bop big bands, which you'll... read more
The 100 Best Albums of 2009
Hal Galper joins John Coltrane's final rhythm section (bassist Reggie Workman and drummer Rashied Ali) for a jazz piano trio concert that never loses its pell-mell tumbling momentum even as it stretches the harmonies of tunes by Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, Charlie Parker and Galper himself into shapes the composers never dreamed... read more
If for no ther reason than he's giving orchids to the neglected legacy of the late trombonist/composer Melba Liston (who died in 1999 at the age of 74), the Chicago-based saxophonist Geof Bradfield deserves our attention. It just so happens that in this release he's composed a good little suite of peices that touch on Liston's considerable artistic journey, and turned his fine septet loose on it. Bradfield's pieces are sturdy, and most would... read more
Bay Area vocalist Laurie Atonioli's seventh album is pure magic. Her voice is heavenly, hauntingly beautiful, breathing life into an array of jazz/folk/pop tunes.
Antonioli's elegant, evocative lyrics are perfectly complemented by different composers on five gorgeous numbers -- the yearning "Longing for You," with melody by Russell Ferrante; the pensive "Layla," using Nguyen Le's tune; a radiant "And So It Is," music by Paul Nagle; and a pair... read more
Listen to Marcos Varela's San Ygnacio and its' clear that this bassist not only knows how to make excellent straightahead jazz, he makes it sound easy.
It's not surprising that the album is so good, considering those Varela has playing with him, all fine composers and arrangers themselves. All one needs to do is look at Varela's counterparts in the rhythm section: pianist George Cables, defined by his harmonic sophistication and... read more
4 1/2 STARS Jazz trios featuring a horn, bass and drums get right to the core of musical expression. With, most commonly, a saxophone—see Sonny Rollins' blueprint for the horn and trio setting, the 1957 Contemporary Records album Way Out West—the music flows freely. The player do not need to chase chords around. The result is a stretching of the melodies with freewheeling rhythmic finesse.
Trombone, bass and drums outings are... read more
The Galician composer and saxophonist Xose Miguélez is immersed in the presentation of this new album. You told me that you have given enough interviews to be a rather minority music for yours. What do you think is the reason?
I hope it's because the album is being liked a lot. Perhaps also the fact that my previous work, Ontology Origin records, 2019 was well received makes people more receptive to a new work. How are you not starting... 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