From the first notes you hear, you know it's Don. Those soft, lush compelling tones envelope you like stepping into a luxurious hot bath. Seductive, you almost have to sigh�
Yeah, we're talkin' about Don Lanphere, one of my all-time most beloved jazz figures and one of the best friends that I've ever had in the jazz business that I've never met face to face (still keeping up our tradition, huh Don?) Anyway, this new CD is entitled "Where... read more
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
This free jazz exploration is packed with dynamic twists and turns that challenge the most adventurous ears. Alto player Carter, bassist Radding and the explosive drummer Keplinger offer a five song program that invigorates.
The fluid and explosive opener "Speak Glow" sees Keplinger pistoning the drum set while Carter and Radding move everything out of his way. As exciting as this nine minute-plus opener is, it is the source of the highest... read more
Jeff Johnson exudes an effervescent warmth from the bass. Utilizing both upright and electric, the Seattle veteran's approach is both intriguing and enticing. His latest for Origin Records, Suitcase, is a musical journal of sorts, with original pieces inspired by a career of travels and diverse experiences. Long-time collaborator Hans Teuber, who takes up saxophone, bass clarinet and alto flute on the session, is a sensitive interpreter who... read more
4-STARS - Part of the appeal of the teaming of guitarist John Stowell with various "post Coltrane" saxophonists is the cool/hot dynamic. Stowell is the guy with a Zen restraint, the cool guy, his chords sometimes sounding as if they are ringing from frozen stalactite filaments in ice caves. Saxophonists? Some blow cool - those of the Lester Young/Stan Getz/Paul Desmond school. And then there's sax guys like Dave Liebman, who teamed... read more
Among the things coming recently from Seattle's Origin label is some top-notch improvisational jazz, much of it from a small collection of local musicians banding together from time to time for sessions that magically form into a coherent whole. On Near Earth, three of these musicians do what they do best � make such music. Saxophonist Hans Teuber, bassist Jeff Johnson, and drummer Tad Britton play a few original Johnson numbers and a couple of... read more
4-STARS If these four guys are not the best players in the Pacific Northwest on their respective instruments, they are all on very short lists. Scenes has made eight albums in the last 20 years. It was reduced to a trio, and remained so for most of its history, when one charter member, Rick Mandyck, had to take a 15-year break from playing the tenor saxophone due to health issues.
The news about Variable Clouds is that Mandyck is back... read more
Trumpeter Chad McCullough has worked extensively with Slovakian pianist Michal Vanoucek, leading to this studio collaboration. Their music resists labeling due to its wide scope. Accompanied by alto saxophonist Mark Taylor, bassist Dave Captein, and drummer Matt Jorgenson, the co-leaders contributed five originals each for this session. The trumpeter's rambunctious opener, "Where the Sky Cries," blends elements of samba and post-bop. But the CD... 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