Browse some recent Origin Reviews.
Dan Heck - Compositionality
by George Fendel, Oregon Jazz Society
Some of you might remember Dan Heck as the talented guitarist in Seattle's Bebop And Destruction. Well, B&D went their separate ways (amiably), and Dan went the furthest; now he's based in Florida. However, on this CD he reacquaints with a couple of Seattle pals in Thomas Marriott on trumpet and Jose Martinez on drums. Rounding out the quintet are Stuart Shelton on piano and Rick Doll on bass. As the title suggests, the tunes are all Dan Heck... read more
Dana Hall - Into the Light
by Martin Z. Kasdan Jr, Louisville Music News.net
With a lineup this strong, drummer/composer Hall has made a very impressive debut. This ensemble has been together for some three years, and the empathetic give-and-take provides another example of how musical strength can be nurtured through playing together regularly. All but three of the nine songs are by Hall. The disc's opening number, "I Have a Dream," however, is by Herbie Hancock, and the band conjures up a Mwandishi brew. As the CD... read more
Nnenna Freelon - Beneath the Skin
by Richard Kamins, Step Tempest
It's hard to believe that Nnenna Freelon turns 71 later in July. Yet, the singer, songwriter, playwright, actress, and podcaster has had a busy career that spans four decades. She did not begin recording until her early 30s. Signing to Columbia Records, her self-titled debut album introduced the world to a self-assured vocalist working her way through the Great American Songbook. After three albums, she moved to Concord Records where she... read more
Geoff Stradling - Les is Mo'
by Jeff Krow, Audiophile Audition
Geoff Stradling is a man of many tastes. His Origin release gives his audience the chance to take a musical journey with him. The pristine sound that Stradling presents on the CD is an added bonus with Geoff himself both producing and engineering his maiden effort for the label. Recorded in February and August 2006, at Stradman Music (Stradling's own studio?), Stradling has made an effort to explore a myriad of jazz styles, which he describes as... read more
Nancy Kelly - Be Cool
by Scott Yanow, L.A. Jazz Scene
Nancy Kelly, who recorded her debut album in 1987, recently released her seventh recording, Be Cool. She has a strong and appealing voice, swings even when sticking close to the lyrics of a song, and is not afraid to stretch herself.
Be Cool is Nancy Kelly's second recording with an organist and her first with William Gorman whose powerful and at time dominant playing is a throwback to Wild Bill Davis along with the 1960s giants... read more
Ben Paterson - For Once In My Life
by C. Michael Bailey, All About Jazz
For his fourth recording, organist Ben Paterson returns to the North West Coast Origin label with For Once in My Life. He employs a standard organ-guitar-drums combo for eleven standards and originals that allows the crack trio he shares with guitarist Peter Bernstein and drummer George Fludas to fully explore the more modern sonic aspects of this popular jazz- blues-funk format. Blending the musical traditions of his native Philadelphia... read more
Brent Jensen - More Sounds of a Dry Martini
by Joe Barth, Jazz Guitar Today
Playing Guitar for Sounds of a Dry Martini One of the most beloved saxophonists in jazz history is Paul Desmond.JGT contributor Joe Barth explores 'guitar support' in the Paul Desmond tribute albums. Though best known for his classic hit "Take Five" with the Dave Brubeck Quartet, Paul recorded several great albums with guitarists Jim Hall and Ed Bickert. Guitarist Jamie Findlay and saxophonist Brent Jensen pay tribute to the albums... read more
Jordan VanHemert - Deep in the Soil
by Jack Bowers, All About Jazz
Energy and enthusiasm fairly leap from the speakers—or headphones—on Sharel Cassity's daring "Call to Order," the opening number on Korean-born saxophonist Jordan VanHemert's fifth album as leader, Deep in the Soil. Alas, that same ardor doesn't reappear until track seven (of eight), trombonist Michael Dease's boppish "ST in the House." In between, VanHemert and his companions (group sizes vary from sextet to duo) offer some agreeable music... read more
Looking for a specific review?
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.
Search Reviews:
Recently Added Reviews:
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