4 1/2 STARS Remember the good old days when bandleaders would give a downbeat and their bands would start swinging and keep on doing so until their audiences literally begged for more? Welcome to the past—present tense—courtesy of pianist Geoff Stradling's superb Los Angeles-based StradBand, which swings heartily and with seldom a pause on its radiant and power-laden introductory album, Nimble Digits.
Yes, the album does... read more
Saxophonist Carl Schultz composed The Road to Trantor as the soundtrack to a science fiction film. The kicker is that the film exists only in Schultz's head. When writing each song, he tried to envision the scene in which it would be used. In that sense, the music is thematic, even though the themes are known only to Schultz.
In charting his singular course, the California-based artist drew heavily on novels by Isaac Asimov. "Trantor" is one... read more
We sometimes forget how many world-class jazz musicians live-- and work -- in our midst.
Consider Bobby Broom, who happens to be the favorite guitarist of tenor saxophone icon Sonny Rollins. Broom has toured globally with Rollins in recent years, bringing his buoyant art to audiences who have applauded it.
But Rollins, 76, tours only at selected times each season, freeing Broom to hold various ongoing engagements across the Chicago area.... read more
This album demonstrates anew that jazz truly is an international art. Matija Dedic, born in Croatia in 1973, began to play classical piano at age 5: a common path for Eastern European music students. He had broadened his interests by his 18th birthday, and he subsequently entered the Graz Jazz Academy. After graduation, he delivered his style of jazz while touring throughout Europe, Scandinavia, South America and the United States. He has worked... read more
A world wise/world traveled guitarist with multi-culti sensibilities travels the Abercrombie/Metheny route to world soundings. An expert and being laid back without falling over, Hernandez brings his crew with south of the border sensibilities right to the fore of contemporary, progressive guitar work that relies on features other than pyrotechnics. Solid listening stuff that'll keep those headphones glued to your ears. Check it... read more
Bassist Ark Ovrutski delivers a snapping session as he leads a team of Michael Dease/tb, Michael Thomas/as-ss, Helio Alves/p and Duduka Da Fonseca through a rich mix of originals and covers.
He displays his rich and resonant sound right off the bat here as he introduces the album with "Waltz For Debby" before the warm trombone and alto glide in for the melody. He repeats this pattern as he opens up the striding "La Mesha" and pianistically... read more
I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Time Change, from the Milan Verbist Trio and it's a solid set of tracks from introspect to lively. Opening with title track, Time Change, a somber yet insightful composition with Milan Verbist creating a calming presentation, adorned by Jens Meijer's light drum work. Toon Rumen takes the lead on bass with a standout melodic solo adding strong contrast to the track. Bop track, No, I... read more
This formative, saxophone, bass and drums is always the most intriguing, giving ample space to all three contributors. Drummer John Bishop is the leader and it's his kinetic underscoring that keeps this music together. Other capables, as Rick Mandyck on saxophone and Jeff Johnson on bass add inventive vectors throughout, especially on "All Day Pass." Then "Orange Blossom" blends an aphrodisiac blend of Paul Desmond and an Oscar Pettiford ver... 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