The strongest release in the series is however from our own Piet Verbist and his band ZYGOMATIK. Together with Herman Pardon (drs), Bram Weijters (frh, Wurlitzer), Jeroen Van Herzeele (ts, ss) and Vincent Brijs (bs), Piet presents with "Cattitude" an hour of strong jazz that emanates from all directions. The versatility and wealth are both in the compositions and in the skills of the musicians. The music switches effortless from pure New York... read more
The inimitable bassist Rodney Whitaker brings along Terell Stafford (trumpet/flugelhorn), Tim Warfield (tenor/soprano sax), Bruce Barth (piano), Dana Hall (bass) and Rockelle Fortin (vocals) for these songs that pay homage to Gregg Hill's rhythmic and melodic legacy with strong attention to detail.
"Betty's Tune" starts the listen with animated keys and frisky drumming, as Fortin's soulful and expressive singing adds to the lively climate,... read more
Jeff Lindberg and his venerable crew start flirting with middle age as they enter their 35th year with spring in their joints and bounce in their steps. Keeping the memory of the great arrangers alive while featuring some up and comers and showcasing a new jazz vocalist that knows the swing is the thing, this is a full on orchestra, kicking it out in a live concert hall with good acoustics, the only way to get them all on stage at the same time... read more
A COMFORTABLE RIDE
The smorgasbord of styles under the umbrella of jazz these days -- from smooth to rough, swing to funk -- means that CD reviews must go beyond comments on purely musical qualities to consider how listeners might use the music, be it for dancing, meditation, background or stimulation.
"Cycling," the first CD by the Portland contemporary jazz group Upper Left Trio, could fill several of those functions.
All... read more
Someone has been drinking the waters of Carlos Santana, and his name is Bobby Rozario. The guitarist/vocalist plays with a fiery drive and biting tone, searing through a collection of originals, supplied by a mix of musicians that included Robby Ameen-Dennis Chambers/dr, James Genus/b, Edsel Gomez/p-org, Tim Ouimette/tp, and a wide array of pecussionists and vocalist. The sauntering "Ci tana" includes the voices of Chris Alfinez, Jose Pepito... read more
When Pat Martino, Peter Bernstein or Color Jazz Radio praise your work and your guitar playing, you must be one hell of a "Bad Cat"!
"I saw you on YouTube playing Mynabird Blues... you are SMOKING!!!!! Really great!!! Next time you come to New York, let's play some songs!!!" Peter Bernstein
Another guitarist that we wanted you to discover in the Best of Colors Jazz Week is Shawn Purcell, on the release of "180", his second album... read more
Born in 1938, he has remained a "musicians' musician" despite a long career as an instrumentalist, band leader, composer, arranger and teacher. He was a member of the Cannonball Adderley quintet for almost three years, followed by a further ten in that of Phil Woods. In the second half of the 1970s he himself headed a band whose line-up is easy to find: the two Brecker brothers Randy and Mike formed the explosive front line, Wayne Dockery (not... read more
At the ripe age of 72 David Friesen has achieved a major breakthrough with Where the Light Falls. He is an artist who has labored intensely and compassionately for a lifetime in the jazz harvest, inspiring and teaching many the joys of music, and he is reaping his bounty now. Joined by his Circle 3 Trio mates Greg Goebel on piano and Charlie Doggett on drums with guitarist Larry Koonse on several tracks, Mr. Friesen has been set free to compose... 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