Browse some recent Origin Reviews.
Nancy Kelly - Be Cool
by Scott Yanow, L.A. Jazz Scene
Nancy Kelly, who recorded her debut album in 1987, recently released her seventh recording, Be Cool. She has a strong and appealing voice, swings even when sticking close to the lyrics of a song, and is not afraid to stretch herself.
Be Cool is Nancy Kelly's second recording with an organist and her first with William Gorman whose powerful and at time dominant playing is a throwback to Wild Bill Davis along with the 1960s giants... read more
Keigo Hirakawa - Pixel
by Suzuck, Jazz Critique Magazine (Japan)
Keigo Hirakawa is a pianist, composer, and a holder of a doctorate in engineering, currently residing in Ohio. With over 20 years of experience as a jazz pianist in the United States, he is a highly skilled individual with two challenging careers. His latest work features Detroit-based musicians, including modern bass virtuoso Robert Hurst, multi-instrumentalist Rafael Statin, who was part of the Detroit Jazz Festival Special Band during their... read more
Eric Jacobson - Discover
by Jack Bowers, All About Jazz
4-STARS If trumpeter Eric Jacobson's name doesn't ring a bell, it could be because he is based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, not in New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles or any other jazz mecca. What's more, Jacobson has not recorded often; Discover is only his second date as leader or co-leader. Hindrances aside, Jacobson's is a name with which one should become familiar, as he is an excellent trumpeter and composer, and Discover is splendid... read more
Brent Jensen with David Sills - Stay Cool
by David Franklin, JazzTimes, May 2003
Although many youner players look to the hard-bop of the '50s and '60s for inspiration, it's much less common to find youthful players who reflect the values of the erstwhile "cool school." But altoist Brent Jensen and tenorist David Sills, two saxophonists inspired by the likes of Paul Desmond, Lee Konitz and Warne Marsh, are among the few. In the context of a pianoless quartet, their Stay Cool (Origin) evokes the spirit of Lester Young... read more
Pharez Whitted - For the People
by Chris Spector, Midwest Record
A Chicago blower came back from a hiatus a few years back with a set that just crackled and let you know he was back. This set follows in those footsteps quite well. Showing he knows his Blue Note moves down cold, Whitted isn't afraid to expand the post bop vocabulary bringing to mind trumpet greats of the past while charting his own course. High octane blowing that's a natch to blow you away. Hip stuff that doesn't need the high sign from... read more
Michael Dease - Found in Space: The Music of Gregg Hill
by Tom Haugen, Take Effect
The trombonist and baritone saxophonist Micheal Dease explores the works of Gregg Hill, and he's got an excellent cast with him or the adventurous 10 tracks.
The busy and animated "The Last Pop Tune" starts the listen with Bill Cunliffe's flowing keys and Sharel Cassity's bright flute making an impression, and the title track follows with a calmer mood, where Gwendolyn Dease's dreamy marimba suits the well-timed winds and brass... read more
Jim Knapp Orchestra - Secular Breathing
by Adam Greenburg, All Music Guide
This is a somewhat grandiose outing of big band jazz from the composing hands of Jim Knapp. A collective of Seattle jazz players -- as well as a couple alums that had wandered to New York -- were called together for the sake of the album. The basic sound that's created here isn't necessarily what one would think of upon hearing the term "big band." It's a basic modern jazz setup for the compositions, with references to classical, world, and folk... read more
Scott Reeves Jazz Orchestra - Without a Trace
by George W. Harris, Jazz Weekly
Fresh big band charts and deliveries are produced by composer/conductor Scott Reeves as he leads a team that includes all stars Steve Wilson/ss-as-fl and Carolyn Leonhart/voc. The vocalist is featured on a lithe and brassy title track, as Wilson gives an aria alongside Jim Ridi's somber musings on "Incandescence." Reeves shows cleverness as he charts a Latinized "Speak Low" with bright section work and Wilson teaming with Chris Rogers/tp and... read more
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