Browse some recent Origin Reviews.
Western Jazz Collective - Dark Journey: The Music of Andrew Rathbun
by Michael van Gee, Jazz'N'More (Switzerland)
The Western Jazz Collective is a renowned ensemble based at the School of Music at Western Michigan University. It consists of highly dedicated educators who are also outstanding musicians. The collective consists of Greg Jasperse, Scott Cowan, Andrew Rathbun, Matt Landon, Matthew Fries, John Hébert, and Keith Hall. They are joined by guest Kevin "Bujo" Jones.
The album, subtitled "The Music of Andrew Rathbun," presents nine modern and... read more
Richard Cole - Shade
by Forrest Dylan Bryant, JazzTimes, May 2008
Saxophonist Richard Cole's third disc as a leader takes a patchwork approach, varying hard edged bop romps with sunny standards and cool contemporary fusion. The personnel is equally varied, as over a dozen of Seattle's better jazz players drift in and out, casting Cole's soulful tenor and quicksilver soprano in ever-changing light. Randy Brecker adds star power and some tasty trumpet to four tracks, but the most effective setting is an... read more
Jeff Johnson - Tall Stranger
by John Barron, All About Jazz.com
Bassist Jeff Johnson has built a stellar reputation in jazz circles, having worked with pianists Hal Galper and Jessica Williams and appearing on over two-dozen recordings for the Seattle-based Origin Records. For his fourth release as a leader, Tall Stranger, the Seattle-based Johnson, along with saxophonist Hans Teuber and drummer Billy Mintz, delivers an intriguing set of stripped-down compositions, emphasizing a free-form approach to group... read more
Sarah Partridge - I Never Thought I'd Be Here
by Scott Yanow, L.A. Jazz Scene
After making a stir as an actress in Los Angeles, Sarah Partridge became a successful jazz singer and moved to the East Coast where in the 1990s she often performed with Doc Cheatham. I Never Thought I'd Be Here finds her performing ten of her songs, composing all of the words and music except for the music of "Around The Corner" which was penned by pianist Allen Farnham. While her lyrics tell picturesque and sometimes dramatic stories,... read more
Matt Jorgensen + 451 - Another Morning
by Scott Albin, JazzTimes, July/August 2008
On the Seattle quartet's first recording since Hope in 2004, Matt jorgensen + 451 continues to explore a particular brand of jazz-rock fusion that is more subtle than your average pounding, thrashing, over-the-top variety. However, leader Jorgensen's fiery and excessively busy drumming often overwhelms and distracts from the group sound as well as the soloists. Mark Taylor plays mostly a sweet-toned alto, with a lyrical, unhurried and... read more
Maja Jaku - Blessed & Bewitched
by Joseph Ross, Amazon
5-STARS Recorded in Brooklyn, NY, and released on the Washington state-based Origin Records label in 2025, Blessed & Bewitched is a fine introduction to the music of Austria-based singer Maja Jaku. With her intriguing-sounding name and colorful background in her native Kosovo, Maja is sure to stir up interest with her Origin debut. Ostensibly free form jazz filled with a variety of jazz and pop influences, Blessed & Bewitched is... read more
Ben Patterson Jazz Orchestra - Mad Scientist Music
by Michael van Gee, Jazz'N'More (Switzerland)
5-STARS Just last year, this magazine featured the Ben Patterson Jazz Orchestra with their album "Groove Junkies". Now, with the album "Mad Scientist Music," the trombonist follows up with an equally first-class work featuring six magnificent new compositions and arrangements that will once again delight big band fans.
The album opens with the up-tempo number "We're Back Baby!" featuring the 17-piece jazz orchestra in top form and... read more
Joel Miller - Swim
by Shirley Noel, Info-Culture Quebec
This very talented musician--who is now in his sixth album--is known for his explorations he did mostly out in his last two albums, Mandala and Tantramar. This time, he returned to more traditional jazz, but was fantastically creative. This saxophone virtuoso who first touched this instrument at the age of 10 and who started learning jazz from the age of 13 is completely in his element on this album. He takes exhilarating solos,... read more
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