I'm sure you've heard of "Afro-Cuban" music, but here we've got Abate Berihun singing and playing the saxes bringing in "Afro-Levant" sounds, mixing Middle East tones with earthy ideas with Roy Mor/p, David Michaeli/b and Nitzan Brinbarum/dr-perc. Rudi Barinesay adds extra vocals for the modal chant of '"Behatitu Kaedus Kadus" and more traditional, folk toned "Adam (Human)". Berhihun mixes a cantoral chant with passionate tenor work on "Batti"... read more
The title 'Abstract Quantities' can put an unsuspecting jazz lover on the wrong foot. Indeed, there is not as many abstracts to the music of the quartet of the Belgian pianist Bram Weijters and the American trumpeter Chad McCullough. Both leaders can sign for the repertoire, with haunting melodies, bright writing. Sometimes forming loving songs (like the touching 'Little Song (for Mirthe)'), but there are other, more surprising forms. We... read more
4 1/2 STARS Andrew Rathbun is a Canadian saxophonist who has made a major musical statement here with this collection of suites, two of which are based on the poetry of author Margaret Atwood. Rathbun's writing shows the influence of another Canadian, Kenny Wheeler, in its lush sonority, the frequent gorgeous flugelhorn solos by Tim Hagans and the role of Luciana Souza, who both sings Atwood's poetry with gentle forcefulness and moans... read more
In jazz, there are times when you can judge a book by its covers, and an artist by the musicians he pays tribute to with his own compositions. That?s the case with veteran drummer Jack Mouse?s new album, Range of Motion, which includes songs written for or dedicated to the great Bunky Green, ?50s innovator John LaPorta, Henry Mancini and Shelley Manne. He also scores points with a dedication to hockey great Bobby Orr, ?Hip... read more
On the terrific new People Calling (Origin), this Chicago-New York four-piece taps into the "spiritual jazz" feel of John Coltrane's classic quartet, even chanting the words of the title track, a la "A Love Supreme." The new recording is a big leap forward for Chicago saxophonist Dudley Owens, whose 2009 debut album, Just the Beginning, tried to show off his entire range and ended up diluting his strengths. He's now impressively focused:... read more
Stevie Wonder's music has inspired countless musicians. Included among them are B3 player Chris Foreman, guitarist Bobby Broom and drummer Greg Rockingham, a.k.a. the Deep Blue Organ Trio. On Wonderful!, the threesome offer a fresh take on the soul-funk-pop icon's songbook.
Foreman and Rockingham start things rolling on "Tell Me Something Good," with Broom comping behind them. The guitarist then unleashed an astringent solo, exploring the... read more
Nanami Haruta is a new trombone voice on the jazz scene. She's been a professional jazz musician since the age of fifteen.
"I started playing trombone at school when I was eight years old in a band of elementary school students playing jazz, which is rare in Japan," the young lady explains.
In 2019, Nanami Haruta won the most Outstanding Student Award at the Seiko Summer Jazz Camp in Tokyo. She also garnered the attention of trombone... read more
Vocalist Kelly Harland has been singing for a long, long time. I'm sure you've heard her, but I'm also sure - unless you're a music insider - that you don't know her.
Why? Because she's what is known as an "on-call" studio and backup vocalist. This Seattle-based artists is one of the many folks who make singing commercials and is hired by visiting "name" acts, to be part of background vocal groups that support the shows.
"Long Ago and Far... 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