There are two kinds of jazz listeners. Those who recognize Jim Knapp as a profound large-ensemble composer and arranger of uncommon imagination, depth, and expression—and those who have yet to hear his music.
Knapp, who died November 13 at age 82, was a revered bandleader, composer, arranger, trumpeter, and teacher in the Pacific Northwest. He taught for decades at Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle and worked in myriad idioms: big... read more
A young vibraphonist couldn't wish for more in the way of plaudits than an endorsement from Gary Burton. In part it's a measure of how jazz vibes playing has divided roughly into two phases: first, it involved hitting the instrument's bars as a drummer might, then a generation later coaxing from them arabesques of sound by almost disguising how such sounds are produced.
The multi-mallet approach changed everything. The vibraphone became not... read more
A contemporary crew of drummer led jazzbos that serve up easy moving stuff with some edge and bite make the most of the debut impressing every step of the way. These youngsters have learned their lessons well, respect the elders and have their eyes and ears on the future. In short, everything you could want from some talented young lions is here by the truck load. Well... read more
After a decade of playing together, the trio Scenes has developed a large measure of cohesiveness. They play well individually and function at a high level as a team. Here they perform their own unique versions of Wayne Shorter's "Black Eyes," Herbie Hancock's "Chan's Song," and John Coltrane's "Resolution," along with three originals by Stowell and four by Johnson. Their own tunes are acces�sibly melodic, some of them being in conventional song... read more
Refreshing, engaging, and stimulating only begin to describe Rob Lockart's debut CD Parallel Lives. Lockart's inventive solos reveal the style, class, and soul of a finely polished musician. He says more in one chorus than the rest of us say all day. Parallel Lives is a solid winner!
Lockart's saxophone is not new to our ears. He is a regular in the Los Angeles scene where he has recorded for TV, movies, and commercials. He has performed with... read more
Seattle's Clement is a pianist/composer/and singer who is so much her own self in her music that one can forget that one is listening and just sort of feel good all over for no apparent reason. Slyly humorous akimbo riffs cascade and gambol occasionally supplanted by dreamy interludes of charmed reflection. Each selection on this release is a duet. Julian Priester, trombonist, saxophonist Mark Taylor, drummer Matt Wilson, bassist Michael Glynn,... read more
The guitar trio is a challenging format for any six stringer. So often the end result is an album full of knuckle busting licks and very little in the way of substance. Veteran guitarist Bobby Broom avoids those pitfalls on his latest effort Song And Dance. Broom, along with bassist Dennis Carroll and drummer Kobie Watkins, avoids a noodle fest and serves the melodies the respect they deserve. Make no mistake though, these guys can cook.
The... read more
On Urban Nomad, Chicago saxophonist Geof Bradfield and his powerhouse quartet perform with tremendous spirit, maintaining a momentum that is vibrant and infectious. Bradfield's inventive, yet tightly-focused tenor and soprano playing is propelled by pianist Ron Perrillo, drummer George Fludas and bassist Clark Sommers, soaring through a mostly original set of charged-up progressive jazz.
Bradfield's compositions are full of shifting time... 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