Enjoyable straight-ahead jazz guitar trio. Hesse develops a pleasantly talkative mode on his guitar. The bass and drums duo of Clark Sommers & Makaya McCraven clearly speak Hesse's... read more
Alison Rble's gemlike voice recalls the crystalline beauty and purity of the young Joni Mitchell. Befitting such a jewel, the settings are equally fine. Guitarist John McLean has fashioned 11 thoughtful arrangements, hitting each tune's core with the skill and precision of an expert marksmen. If only the same could be said of Ruble.
Traversing a wide-ranging playlist that extends from Cole Porter ("So In Love") to James Taylor ("Something in... read more
The esteemed guitarist Mimi Fox pays tribute to the late, great Wes Montgomery on the 100th anniversary of his birth, where Brian Ho brings his Hammond B3 Organ and Lorca Hart sits behind the drum kit for the 8 diverse tracks.
"Mr. White's Blues" opens the listen with the frisky drums, spirited guitar and playful keys in the indeed blues-friendly sounds, and "Moanin'" follows with intimate guitar playing in a soulful, reflective... read more
In the search for enriched jazz expressiveness, the duet format has been revived, giving the musicians greater space for improvising than a larger group and avoiding the overpowering influence of a rhythm section, while affording an opportunity to engage personalities and "swap notes" with another whose ideas and style are of special interest. Iconic saxophonist Dave Liebman, who thrives in just about any kind of ensemble, recently made a duo... read more
Following clever takes on contemporary pop tunes (2001's Stand), Thelonious Monk (2009's Plays for Monk) and Stevie Wonder (2011's Wonderful! by the Deep Blue Organ Trio), Bobby Broom's tenth outing as a leader is his first collection of all originals. Named for the Manhattan neighborhood where he grew up (he's been a Chicago resident since 1984), Upper West Side Story finds the veteran guitarist paying homage to... read more
I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Dear Ms. Dearie, from Dawn Clement, and its really quite good. Opening with The Gentleman Is A Dope, Dawn Clement on piano and vocal leads the way, supported by John Clayton on bass and Jeff Hamilton on drums. Steve Kovalcheck on guitar really gives the track a workout with bright guitar soloing. Super opener. With it's waltz feel, Dance Only With Me is one of my favorite tracks on... read more
Chris Walden was born and raised in Germany, where he received his musical education. He now lives and works in Los Angeles as a musician, composer and arranger. He has scored more than 30 feature and TV films, and arranged works for numerous artists and the Chicago Symphony.
With that background, it's no surprise that the band utilized on this CD is more than merely "big" ... it's huge! This ensemble consists of five saxes, seven... read more
Since making his Carnegie Hall debut at 16 with Sonny Rollins, Bobby Broom has been universally hailed as a consummate sideman, the guitarist of choice for artists ranging from Rollins to Dr. John.
Many sidemen lead quiet lives of desperation, lacking the chutzpah to step out front with their own albums.
Not so with Broom who has ventured out before, but never with such convincing authority as he whisks through chord changes with his... 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