With four trumpets, four trombones plus tuba, five woodwinds, two French horns, guitar, drums, Latin percussion, mallets, two basses, and piano, Kim Richmond's Concert Jazz Orchestra is a formidable ensemble just getting off the bus. Especially the woodwinds, who are each toting an entire music store. Throw in Kim Richmond's brooding, playful, ecstatic arrangements, and you can tell pretty fast that this ain't no Glenn Miller band.
You may... read more
Joachim Mencel grew up in a country where at the end of the 1960s and the beginning of the next decade, people did not bask in luxury (although part of the society probably did not complain). The constant fight for freedom, an attempt to overthrow the power controlled from Moscow, dreams of a better life - preferably in the United States, which were presented as an almost mythical land from where Polish families received parcels from time to... read more
Composer Anthony Branker continues his pattern of assembling a first-rate group of musicians to interpret his works on Together, his fourth release for Origin Records. This rhythmically charged set features saxophonists Mark Gross and Ralph Bowen, along with the rhythm section of Jonny King on Fender Rhodes, Kenny Davis on upright and electric bass and drummer Donald Edwards.
The music gets off to a brisk start with "Unity," a pulsating... read more
No Bounds is an enchanting and absolutely riveting big band release from German composer/arranger, Chris Walden, a two-time Grammy Award nominee for his previous album, Home of My Heart. This recording has a decidedly Disney musical theme as Walden includes three big band orchestrations of the Disney songs, "When You Wish Upon A Star," "Some Day My Prince Will Come," and the familiar "It's A Small World After All."
When listening to this... read more
Like Oliver Jones, pianist Jessica Williams owes a large debt to Oscar Peterson. She acknowledges it with the gorgeous original, Dear Oscar, just one of the beautiful solo works on this collection.
Williams unleashes all of her playful, adventurous power on a wide-ranging repertoire of originals and Sonny Rollins' seldom-played gem, Blessing In Disguise. Without the aid of overdubs, Williams conjures up the Japanese koto an... read more
4-STARS Bassist Rodney Whitaker has been a huge presence in Michigan jazz for decades, with his leadership of the Michigan State University jazz program complementing his many other projects and giving him the opportunity to mentor upcoming generations of jazz talent. He has become a crucial ambassador for the music as well, with community outreach being a critical aspect of his mission. One of his most essential endeavors has been his... read more
Culled from sessions recorded since 2009, the Chicago guitarist rounds up the Chicago time keeper contingent, adds some Brits and turns up the heat on this smoking straight ahead jazz date that shows you how cooking is done. With solid blowing from all hands on deck adding to the whole, it's listening jazz that makes it hard not to bounce in your chair. A delightfully wild ride that's e ticket all the... read more
There is probably no vocalist who can do more expression within their vocal range as Karrin Allyson. Her vast catalogue is a testament to nuance and emotion without the overt clutter of 'technical prowess.' This album shows her strengths, focusing on Brazilian tunes, the types she always shows so well when in concert. She plays a bit of piano herself, as on a luminous "So Many Stars" and gorgeously personal solo excursion of "Only Trust Your... 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