Warmth oozes out of the music on this CD created by guitarist Corey Christiansen and his quartet, a comfy blend of contemporary jazz, bop or post-bop, and soul-jazz. Organist Pat Bianchi and saxophonist David Halliday create that feeling, playing unison lines that, between the three instrumentalists, give the listener a comfort zone that is both refreshing and accessible, given the more complex music modern jazz usually offers up. To say it's... read more
Some numbers to ponder. Saxophonist/trumpeter Ira Sullivan is 80 years old; vibraphonist Stu Katz is 74. 57 years. That is how long Ira Sullivan and Stu Katz have been making music together. 64 years. The number of years that Joe Segal's the Jazz Showcase has been featuring great jazz. In 1954, the year Bill Haley and the Comets recorded "Rock Around the Clock," two fine young jazz musicians first got together in their adopted hometown of... read more
Last year's aptly titled State of the Art teamed Dee Daniels with an ace quartet anchored by pianist Cyrus Chestnut. For Daniels' encore, her 10th studio album as leader, Chestnut is again onboard, but as one in a spectrum of stellar guests. As its name implies, Intimate Conversations places Daniels in cozy duo and trio settings, also featuring Martin Wind, Wycliffe Gordon, Ken Peplowski, Russell Malone, Ted Brancato, Houston... read more
Brad Goode, born in Chicago in 1963, is one of the most versatile and idiosyncratic trumpeters in US jazz. After classical training and studies with Vince DiMartino and Larry Gray, he made a name for himself in the Chicago scene from the mid-1980s, playing with greats such as Von Freeman, Eddie Harris and Jack DeJohnette. In addition to playing the trumpet, he has mastered bass, drums and keyboards and now teaches at the University of Colorado.... read more
Having distinguished himself in a career spanning decades as a bassist, composer, producer, and recording engineer, Dan Dean turned his attention four years ago to the creation of classical pieces using purely vocal means. The artistic success of Songs Without Words encouraged him to fashion a successor, which brings us to the glorious Fanfare for the Common Man. It couldn't be any more of a solo project: using overdubbing to assemble his voice... read more
Lynn Bush, yet another of the fast-growing roster of formidable singers from the Seattle area, makes her recording debut with Still Life (Origin), an evocative collection of time-honored standards. Though blessed with a smoky voice that recalls the alluring sang-froid of Julie London, Bush is decidedly more robust than the perpetually horizontal Miss Julie. Backed by a masterful rhythm section comprised of pianist Marc Seales, bass player Doug... read more
CrossWeave's opener, Troubleshooter," drives in on a tight rhythm groove that leads into some clean three horn harmony by trumpeter Clay Jenkins, alto saxophonist Kim Richmond, and tenor sax man Rich Perry, with a sound that harkens back to the classic Blue Note Records days, some of those classic sets by Lee Morgan and Art Blakey. A tight, shining ensemble mode with sharp soloing all around.
CrossWeave is the third disc by the... read more
This ensemble might have been labeled the Brent Jensen Quartet. They recorded One More Mile under the Idaho-based saxophonist's name. For their album Motives, however, they are calling themselves the Wellstone Conspiracy as they delve deeper into a melodic music that is steeped in the modern harmonic concepts of Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter.
The set opens with Jeff Johnson's grainy, guitar-like bass lines on the Jensen-penned "Bye Bye... 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