Guitarist Corey Christiansen's early days recording for Seattle's Origin Records featured a pair of superb organ jazz recordings, Roll with it (2008) and Outlaw Tractor (2010). A versatile player, the guitarist expanded his vision with his "American West" set Lone Prairie (Origin Records, 2013), in addition to his "avant cowboy/surf rock band" on Factory Girl (Origin Records, 2016).
Throughout Christiansen's eight Origin Records releases,... read more
Drummer Michael Waldrop explores deep and exciting grooves with percussionist Jose Rossy joining in with his team of Martin Gjakonovski/b (and cameo work with Chris Symer) and Vasil Hadzimanov/p for a collection of mostly originals. The grooves simmer on the jungle pulse of "Native Son", with Hadzimanov sparkling over the galloping joy of rhythm. Waldrop brings a soulful shuffle to the driving " El Vino" and a simmering sizzle to "Belgrade" with... read more
Vocalist Greta Matassa and bassist Clipper Anderson set out to make a Christmas CD that would stand out from the pack and they succeeded with And to All a Good Night. Bypassing most of the tradition's expected favorites, they drew little-known or forgotten songs from films, pop, and jazz, infusing them with thoughtful arrangements. Matassa begins with a warm setting of "A Christmas Love Song" (music by Johnny Mandel, lyrics by Marilyn and... read more
(Marlene Rosenberg's "Bassprint")is a splendid effort, showcasing a band with a breezy esthetic, and it boasts plenty of technique and taste from her collaborators: saxist Geof Bradfield, guitarist Scott Hesse, and the rapidly evolving young drummer Makaya McCraven.
But from the very first track, even those unfamiliar with Rosenberg might guess that the leader is in fact the bassist (and not just because she takes the album's initial solo).... read more
Drummer, percussionist and composer Michael Waldrop has released a fantastic album featuring the marimba called 'Time Frames'. The 15 songs, most of them originals by Michael Waldrop, present a wide spectrum of styles and sounds, from the origin of the marimba as an African instrument to eclectic contemporary compositions. Waldrop surrounds himself on the album with other renowned and musically diverse percussionists like Gordon Stout, Brad... read more
This is guitarist Bobby Rozario's second recording for Origin Records. A guitar-led band that is a strong combination of Latin percussion and funky drumming, a singing guitarist, and a deep spiritual conviction, could draw an easy comparison to classic 60s and 70s era Santana, and that would be fair. But Rozario is more than that. His guitar playing is deeply grounded, is singing is nice, and his compositions are well conceived.
His musical... read more
The Cubist movement, led by Pablo Picasso, came out of Paris in the 1910s-20s and rendered the human form as a series of jagged geometric forms. The rubato approach taken by pianist Hal Galper, who turns 80 this month, on his new album embraces similar liberties. Cubist was recorded live before a studio audience at the Gill and Tommy LiPuma Center for Creative Arts in Cleveland, Galper enlarging his usual trio palette with tenor saxophonist... read more
4 1/2 STARS
For nearly two decades, guitarist and composer Shawn Purcell served in military music ensembles, an experience that almost certainly shaped his meticulous sense of orchestration and his instinct for placing instruments in the precise order and hierarchy needed to evoke a particular mood. In Purcell's hands, it is always about beauty and elegance: music that is at once intricate and painstakingly crafted, where the... 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