Browse some recent Origin Reviews.
Metropolitan Jazz Octet - The Bowie Project
by C. Michael Bailey, Wild Mercury Rhythm
Like a melodic fragment, a foretelling leitmotif teasing with more to come, Chicago vocalist Paul Marinaro's recent Not Quite Yet (Myrtle Records, 2022) included two David Bowie compositions: "5:15 The Angels Have Gone" and "No Plan." Inclusion here pushed Marinaro's second studio recording over the top of a creative peak for the singer in preparation for an even greater one. Released a little too close for comfort with respect to the release... read more
Michael Waldrop - Time Frames
by Chris Spector, Midwest Record
The percussionist shows there's more that you can do with rhythm than provide heat for the feet. Kind of a world jazz based set that takes you well off the beaten path, if things like marimba, kalimba and such are familiar to you, this often trancy set with tickle your fancy in a nice way. Step into his chamber and feel the... read more
Manzanita Quintet - Osmosis
by Dan McClenaghan, All About Jazz
The tried and true quintet formation, set in stone by alto saxophonist Charlie Parker and trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie in the late 1940s, is back in 2022 with the Reno, Nevada-based Manzanita Quintet.
So how do they give a fresh shine to a sound that could be considered "done to death?" On Osmosis the guys go at it with some fresh compositions, four by the group's bassist, Hans Halt, two more from their saxophonist, Peter Epstein, one from... read more
Hal Galper & the Youngbloods - Live at the Cota Jazz Festival
by Raul da Gama, JazzdaGama
It should come as no surprise that Hal Galper would be an enormously attractive mentor to younger musicians. Indeed, this is exactly what this live performance is made of: sparks that are ignited by the pianist, with the emerging fire stoked by a group of new-generation musicians comprising alto saxophonist Nathan Bellott, bassist Dean Torrey and the percussion colourist David Frazier. This repertoire is fashioned from old and relatively newer... read more
Laurie Antonioli and Richie Beirach - Varuna
by Dan Bilawsky, All About Jazz
This absorbing release - an album that's something of a sequel to The Duo Sessions (Nabel Records, 2005) - finds vocalist Laurie Antonioli and pianist Richie Beirach painting one divine musical tableau after another. There are vivid numbers that place Antonioli's seraphic vocals atop Beirach's dense and full-flavored chords, spare readings that allow fragility and the human condition to come to the surface, and standards shaped and molded to... read more
The H2 Big Band - It Could Happen
by George Fendel, Jazz Society of Oregon
Out of the gate it might be a good idea to explain the name of this outfit. It's simple. Co-led by Denver area trumpet ace Al Hood and pianist Dave Hanson, this is a no-punches pulled gathering of some of the premier studio cats in Los Angeles. Featured are such stars as Gary Foster, alto sax, clarinet and flute; Carl Saunders, trumpet; Andy Martin, trombone; Larry Koonse, guitar; and Joe LaBarbera, drums. Also on board are singer René Marie,... read more
Amit Friedman - Unconditional Love
by Yotam Ziv, Columbus Music Magazine (Israel)
Apparently, the first one to steer and use the combination of the words ′′ the whole is bigger than all its parts ′′ was Aristotle. This phrase has many interpretations in different fields, but in my eyes, this is the essence of a good jazz composition. Mostly because creative and inspiring musicians make their friends sound better.
A week ago I received the new (yes, really a disc) of the saxophonist and composer Amit Friedman,... read more
Bruce Barth Trio - Dedication
by George W Harris, Jazz Weekly
So, what, or who, is the soulful pianist Bruce Barth dedicating this trio album to? In the liner notes, Barth mentions the memory of a dear friend Montez Coleman, but truth be told, with bassist Vincente Archer and drummer Montez Coleman, the sounds and styles are dedicated to a collection of inspirations.
Starting off is an upbeat tilt of the ivories to George Perry in "George's Dance" which has Barth and company tapping into their inner... read more
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