Browse some recent Origin Reviews.
Rich Thompson - Less Is More
by John Barron, The Jazz Word
Drummer Rich Thompson is the driving force behind this propulsive quartet recording that features a choice selection of tunes and exceptional soloists. Trumpeter Terell Stafford adds an element of fire to Kenny Dorham's "Lotus Blossom" and eloquence to the ballad "It's Easy to Remember." Doug Stone's tenor saxophone replaces Stafford on a couple of tracks. His soloing is characterized by warmth and a free-flowing approach to phrasing,... read more
Steve Million - What I Meant to Say
by Bill Brownlee, Plastic Sax
Musicians have long been required to play with tactful quietude if they intend to find steady work in Kansas City's jazz venues. Three outstanding musicians who performed together in Kansas City in the late 1970s and early 1980s subtly subvert the low-key approach on an instructive new album.
Joined by bassist John Sims, pianist Steve Million, guitarist Steve Cardenas and drummer Ron Vincent play straight-ahead jazz with exacting brilliance... read more
Michael Orenstein - Aperture
by 2022 Top Track Contest, JazzTimes
Grand Prize: Michael Orenstein / Title: "Ode to Manuel"
"Ode To Manuel" is Orenstein's tribute to one of his favorite pianists, Manuel Valera. It was written when Orenstein was still in his undergrad at Oberlin Conservatory, and after playing it for years, Orenstein recorded it for his debut album, Aperture (Origin Records 2022). The listener will hear grooves inspired by Cuban music intertwined with colorful modern harmonies, performed... read more
Shawn Purcell - 180
by Zakk Jones, Jazz Guitar Today
D.C. area guitarist Shawn Purcell has been a rising name in modern jazz as a prolific performer, composer, and educator. Since the mid-90's he has been a member of the prestigious U.S. military big bands "The Airmen of Note" and the Navy "Commodores", respectively. As an educator, Purcell currently serves as an adjunct professor of jazz studies at George Mason University and has led masterclasses and workshops across the country. With a long... read more
Joachim Mencel - Brooklyn Eye
by Sebastian Chosiński, Esensja (Poland)
Dreams are there to make them come true! Polish jazz pianist (also playing the hurdy-gurdy) Joachim Mencel dreamed of recording an album in New York for years, with American artists accompanying him. The assumption was that the music was also inspired by North America. All this was achieved in one fell swoop thanks to the publishing house "Brooklyn Eye".
In Poland, Joachim Mencel does not have to prove anything to anyone. For years,... read more
Bobby Broom - My Shining Hour
by Howard Reich, Chicago Tribune
Every city tends to take its own jazz treasures a bit for granted, notwithstanding the respect they generate across the country and beyond. With My Shining Hour (Origin Records), to be released Aug. 19, guitarist Bobby Broom reminds us of his stature as soloist and bandleader. Fronting a trio with bassist Dennis Carroll and drummer Makaya McCraven, Broom stands front and center - and benefits enormously from this high exposure. Rarely... read more
Piet Verbist - Flamenco Jazz Summit: El Mar Empieza Aqui
by Tom Haugen, Take Effect
The double bass extraordinaire Piet Verbist is joined by some excellent company for these 8 Flamenco jazz tunes that aren't short on melody and energy.
"Al-Andablues" opens with thick plucking from Verbist, as Carmelo Muriel's bansuriney and Juan Sainz's lively drumming cultivate plenty of rhythm, and "Nuevo Alterado" welcomes Carlos Cortés' frisky percussion amid Tom Van Dyck's soaring sax prowess.
At the halfway point, "A Child Is... read more
Jared Hall - Hometown
by George Harris, Jazz Weekly
Trumpeter Jared Hall delivers a vintage sounding hard bop session with Troy Roberts/ts in the frontline and Ben Markley/p, Michael Glynn/b and Kyle Swan/dr supplying the grooves. The session comes across like Horace Silver or Art Blakey was watching in approval, as Hall's velvety horn bops over Markley on "Step By Step" and is as sweet as apple cider for a melodic read of Thelonious Monk's "Ask Me Now"> Swan supplies a nice cantor for the warm... read more
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