Browse some recent Origin Reviews.
Anthony Branker & Other Ways of Knowing - Manifestations of a Diasporic Groove & Spirit
by Dan McClenaghan, All About Jazz
4-STARS At the time of this writing (early 2026), the United States is beset by an odious president, a racist sociopath who seems hellbent on erasing all references to achievement or success of anyone of African descent—leaving aside that we are all of African descent; but some made the relocation to North America involuntarily.
Stubborn resistance and unvarnished artistic statement—shoulders pulled back, chins jutting... read more
Ben Black - Remembered Faces / Private Places
by Christopher Loudon, JazzTimes
Ben Black, whose choirboy purity is reminiscent of the sweet, fawn-like androgyny of the pre-Psycho Anthony Perkins, is about as distant as a male singer could be from the rough 'n' tumble Stigers. Technically, Black is light years ahead of Perkins, but could use some of the screen star's dramatic know-how. Still, as evidenced throughout Remembered Faces/Private Places (Origin), his voice is singularly gorgeous and ideally suited to dreamy... read more
Kelly Sill / Jim McNeely / Joel Spencer - Boneyard
by Mark E. Gallo, Jazz Review
This is solid, straight ahead jazz by three masters of the craft. Covering a program of jazz standards, obscurities and originals, the principals never fail to impress. Opening with the Kurt Weill classic "Speak Low," pianist Jim McNeely, bassist Kelly Sill and drummer Joel Spencer each exhibit a mastery of their instrument throughout the nine selections. Dizzy Gillespie's classic "Con Alma" is given a medium tempo reading, Dave Brubeck's lovely... read more
Hal Galper Trio - Airegin Revisited
by Dave Sumner, emusic Review
Listening to the Hal Galper Trio perform is like watching fireflies? they?re a swarm of activity as they bounce off one another and flit through the air, but ostensibly pretty as they light up the night. Galper has his own sound. It?s not dramatically different from the pack, but its singular to him, and its never boring, even when it flirts with a straight-ahead modern approach. Joining him are pros Jeff Johnson on bass and John Bishop on... read more
Dave Slonaker Big Band - Convergency
by Chris Spector, Midwest Record
When a commercial musician gets the chance to show us where his heart is, something special can really come out of it. A well decorated Hollywood studio rat finally comes out with his second album a decade later and this should be a fellow Grammy nominee as well. With players he's known for up to 40 years staffing this big band, his charts are immaculate, the playing impressive and the swing is undoubtable. Class, classy and classic, this big... read more
Michael Waldrop Big Band - Time Within Itself
by Fred Bouchard, Downbeat
Drummer Waldrop writes hummable tunes that jump in guess-where twists. Here, he shares bustling charts with ex-boss Jack Cooper (hear Mists, his alluring Charles Ives tribute). On the title track, "Munich Musings" and "Twisted Barb," he packs missed crannies with lightning fills.... read more
Deep Blue Organ Trio - Wonderful!
by Robbie Gerson, Audiophile Audition
One of the leading B-3 Trios bearing soulful jazz today. ****1/2 Stars
The music of Stevie Wonder is unique. As pop songs, they are precise and infectious. But the gospel and r&b roots seem to create a natural feel for jazz arrangements. Wonder?s experimental approach to chord structure allows for edgier jams. Deep Blue Organ Trio, a veteran group from Chicago has been a standard bearer of soulful jazz. Since 2000 they have... read more
Jordan VanHemert - Deep in the Soil
by Tom Haugen, Take Effect
The alto-sax extraordinaire Jordan VanHemert is in some fine company here, where 8 swingin' tunes that take influence from the almighty Charlie Parker don't disappoint.
The bright sax and frisky drums from Lewis Nash guide the opener, "Call To Order", and "Sounds For Sore Ears" follows with Terrell Stafford's glowing trumpet and Helen Sung's intricate keys helping cultivate plenty of melodic, rich song craft.
Halfway through, the intimacy... read more
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