Browse some recent Origin Reviews.
Jessica Williams - Songs of Earth
by John Frederick Moore, Jazziz
There's long been a spiritual component to Jessica Williams' work, but rarely has it been as explicit as it is on this set of solo piano pieces. Taken from live performances in Seattle over a three-year period,the seven selections are largely spontaneous improvisations, and that raw creativity is what makes this disc so satisfying, both musically and emotionally.
At first blush, these pieces seem to fall into the category of brooding,... read more
Ray Vega & Thomas Marriott - Return of the East-West Trumpet Summit
by Travis Rogers, Jr., JazzTimes
With the astounding success of their 2010 release East-West Trumpet Summit, Ray Vega and Thomas Marriott are at it again with Return of the East-West Trumpet Summit (Origin 82707). It recalls the great duets like Freddie Hubbard and Woody Shaw and it is with that honor to history that Vega and Marriott embark on this adventure that is loaded with great standards and classics and even some original material and those exemplary... read more
Thomas Marriott - Constraints & Liberations
by Chris Robinson, Downbeat
The music on Constraints & Liberations operates and resides in that state between dreams and reality. The record slowly simmers with a restrained intensity and rarely comes to a boil.
The soloists are stellar and never fail to tell engaging stories. Thomas Marriott's trumpet sound is as lush and inviting as it comes. "Up From Under" and "Clues" give him plenty of room to slowly stretch out, like a tall man coming to from a deep sleep and... read more
Toby Koenigsberg - Sense
by Terrell Kent Holmes, All About Jazz
On Sense, the Toby Koenigsberg Trio approaches jazz from intriguing angles, bringing an exciting energy and edginess to both originals and standards. The group's preferred organizing principle can be described as deconstruction by addition. The pianist/leader approaches Bud Powell's "Oblivion" by artfully inserting bits and pieces of the melody like someone would assemble a jigsaw puzzle: an arpeggio here, a phrase there, until the picture is... read more
Phil Kelly & The SW Santa Ana Winds - My Museum
by Harvey Siders, JazzTimes, September 2007
In 2003 a cross-pollination of Pacific Northwest and L.A. jazz communities resulted in Kelly's first Origin album, Convergence Zone. It happened again in '06, leading to this masterpiece. No rehearsal time. As Kelly explained, "It was straight gonzo." Thanks to the growing comfort level, the guys simply devoured the charts. "Jeannine," "Daydream" and "Zip Code 2005" reveal Kelly's expertise with taut clusters. "It's a Lazy Afternoon" (in... read more
Michael Waldrop - Time Frames
by Chris Spector, Midwest Record
The percussionist shows there's more that you can do with rhythm than provide heat for the feet. Kind of a world jazz based set that takes you well off the beaten path, if things like marimba, kalimba and such are familiar to you, this often trancy set with tickle your fancy in a nice way. Step into his chamber and feel the... read more
Arthur Kell Speculation Quartet - Live at LunÀtico
by Chris Cooke, KIOS (Omaha)
A compelling, vibrant recording by bassist Arthur Kell and his Speculation Quartet, "Live at LunÀtico", is well worth your attention.
Arthur Kell (bassist, composer) is one of the most original voices on today's New York City jazz scene. Based in Brooklyn, New York. He has played with a stellar cross-section of the most influential jazz musicians for decades. On the new release he is joined by Nate Radley and Brad Shepik (guitars) plus Allan... read more
Triocity - I Believe In You
by Rick Anderson, CD Hotlist
Rick's Pick Jazz combos without chordal instruments are usually a tough sell for me, but since Jeff Campbell has long been one of my favorite bass players I decided to give this one a spin - and I'm very glad I did. The group consists of Campbell, saxophonist/clarinetist/flutist Charles Pillow, and drummer Rich Thompson, and on this album they play nothing but standards, showing their range by tackling American Songbook ballads... read more
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