Browse some recent Origin Reviews.
John Wojciechowski - Focus
by Chris Spector, Midwest Record
Chicago has it's own brand of skronk and this set with a a stellar Chicago crew in tow might not sound like Sonny Rollins playing under a bridge but he certainly knows how to deliver the goods. Using mainstream jazz as a starting point rather than a destination, he marshals his chops to bring listeners into the tent and keep them on board. A tasty collective effort that hits all the right notes with loads of daddio and modern in the mix, Wojo... read more
Nnenna Freelon - Beneath the Skin
by Paul Abella, WDCB, Chicago
Nnenna Freelon's latest album, Beneath the Skin, is a concept album about looking within. Of the ten songs here, Freelon co-wrote nine of them. She certainly pulled together an amazing squad to bring these compositions to life, featuring Alan Pasqua on keys, Keith Ganz on guitar, Evan Roberson on trombone, Shana Tucker on cello, Jonathan Richards on bass and Steve Hass on drums, this band can play whatever Nnenna's got on her mind, from the... read more
Don Lanphere - Where Do You Start?
by Butch Berman, Berman Music Review
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
Mike Pope - The Parts You Keep
by Raul Amador, Bass Musician
I am always impressed by the many things Mike Pope does, so needless to say, I was eager to give his new album, The Parts You Keep, a listen.
Mike has assembled an extraordinary group of musicians to bring this project to life... including his own mother, Ann Almond Pope, who is 85 years young and still gracing the world with her beautiful classical piano playing. Together, they present us with nine stunning tracks, each one carefully curated... read more
Michael Waldrop - Origin Suite
by David Cohen, Jazzenzo (Netherlands)
Composer, percussionist and vibraphonist Michael Waldrop defines music as follows: "a serious ordering of sound that strives to send messages to the listener, which can not be communicated by spoken or written language". From someone who has formed such clear thoughts about nature and the task of music one is inclined to expect a lot of good things.
The 'Origin Suite' amply satisfies these expectations. Waldrop guides the listener through a... read more
John Stowell & Dan Dean - Rain Painting
by Frank Kohl, Cadence
One of the most original and innovative guitarists on the scene today would have to be John Stowell. A true pioneer in methods of playing and composing he stands alone in a sea of guitarists. John's latest release "Rain Painting" gives voice to the intricacies of his compositional skills. Joined by bassist, vocalist and master recording engineer, Dan Dean, John's originals are brought to their full potential. I am swept away by the clarity and... read more
Dave Slonaker Big Band - Intrada
by George Fendel, Oregon Jazz Scene
When I hear a big band playing nearly all original material, I'm looking for intricacy, creative arrangements, scintillating solos and melody lines that don't enter the land of confusion. And that's just what we have in this Los Angeles gathering of undoubtedly some of the finest players in Smogville. Oddly, the only standard in the set is "It's Only a Paper Moon." The rest of the selections are outstanding examples of current big band... read more
Bobby Broom - Bobby Broom Plays for Monk
by John Barron, All About Jazz
Chicago-based guitarist Bobby Broom pays tribute to jazz icon Thelonious Monk on Plays For Monk, a fresh take on eight of the late pianist's compositions, along with a couple of standards associated with Monk's repertoire. Joining Broom for his third release on Seattle's Origin Records are his long time trio mates, bassist Dennis Carroll and drummer Kobie Watkins.
Broom does a tremendous job navigating Monk's music in a bare-bones guitar trio... read more
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