Browse some recent Origin Reviews.
Nanami Haruta - The Vibe
by Thierry De Clemensat, Paris Move
Indispensable - A Sumptuous Production Showcasing the Talent of a Promising Trombonist A debut album of remarkable opulence, conceived to highlight the artistry of a young Japanese-born trombonist now based in Michigan. The recording assembles a dream ensemble of musicians, beginning with her mentor, the esteemed trombonist Michael Dease (who also plays saxophone and baritone), alongside the brilliant pianist Xavier Davis. The lineup is... read more
Joachim Mencel - Brooklyn Eye
by George W Harris, Jazz Weekly
Playing both piano and hurdy-gurdy, Joachim Mencel creates a wide variety of atmospheres with his post bop team of guitarist Steve Cardenas, bassist Scott Colley and drummer Rudy Royston. Colley and Royston are most flexible here, creating a circle dance on the dramatic "I'm Yo Man", mixing suave brushes and beat on "The Things" and rocking out with Cardenas on "The Last Of The Mohicans". Mencel's piano touch is modern and confident here, while... read more
Jessica Williams - Songs of Earth
by Rob Young, Urban Flux
It wasn?t until recently had the honor to listen to pianist Jessica Williams play for the first time. With that said, her latest recording ?SONG OF EARTH? is simply stunning accomplishment for her. In fact, I have a tendency of shying away from solo recordings but I?m reminded with this lovely offering by Williams of the importance of artists recording solo projects. Moreover, I?m still in awe by the fluidity of her compositions, ambient tone... read more
ZurHub - Countryside Motorways
by Jack Bowers, All About Jazz
Zurhub is an Israeli-American quintet formed in 2017 by flutist Mattan Klein and guitarist Ezequiel Hezi Jait. On Countryside Motorways, the group's impressive debut recording, they are ably supported by pianist Itay Simhovich, bassist Assaf Hakimi and drummer Dani Benedikt.
The album consists of a dozen original compositions, five by Klein, four by Jait, and three co-written by the duo. The music is invariably bright and pleasant,... read more
Scenes - ...But Not Heard
by Dan McClenaghan, All About Jazz
ECM Records has been noted for its "Nordic Cool," school, from its many recordings of Scandinavian artists, with pianist Tord Gustavsen coming most readily to mind. Seattle's Origin Records has what can be called its "Northwest U.S. Cool" with recordings from bassist Jeff Johnson, saxophonist Hans Teuber , and the collective trio Scenes, with guitarist John Stowell, drummer John Bishop and, again, Jeff Johnson on bass.
Scenes' eponymous... read more
John Moulder - Bifrost
by David Franklin, Cadence
The cool, soundscape beginning of the album belies what's to follow, because by its end, the strident mix of blaring, howling, and crashing instruments generates a climax of powerful intensity. Between those extremes are many other moments of peaceful serenity contrasted with intense passion. John Moulder switches between his acoustic and electric guitars to produce each desired effect, from gentle lyricism to Rock-like screeches, and he's... read more
Christopher Icasiano - Provinces
by George W. Harris, Jazz Weekly
Christopher Icasiano plays (deep breath) drums, percussion , capi shells, synthesizers and keyboards on this collection of eight songs in two suites. The first suite, "Provinces" includes snappy snares with a dash of synth, leading to thick textures and sounds of space modules before drums flail guiding into hints of Tomita. Things close with a high hat mixing with more noodles than a soup kitchen. The "Taho" includes electronic percussion,... read more
Ziggurat Quartet - Calculated Gestures
by Ron Bierman, Jazz Review
One of the ways jazz has grown is by absorbing the sounds and rhythms of other cultures. African and Latin American music were strong early influences. Today, India is making waves. Since classical Indian music has always included extensive improvisation, it seems it might have happened sooner. However, while spirituals, rumbas and African drums readily appeal to Western ears, Indian raga is a more difficult fit, its scales more exotic, its... read more
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