4-STARS Perhaps it's a flood of rhythm that the title and cover art refer to on this third leader outing from drumming dynamo Robby Ameen. A heavy hitter in Afro-Cuban circles for decades, Ameen's frangible linear Latin funk workouts, intricate rhythmic roadmapping, song-serving chops and good taste have earned him an overwhelmingly positive reputation. Everybody from musical polymath Rubén Blades to flutist Dave Valentin and pianist... read more
41 years a teacher and he can still hit the ivories in late night/after hours fashion. A jazzbo to the core, he took his time getting this set together, from the writing to finding the right players, and if this is OCD, it has useful applications. Or it could just be strict attention to detail, so much so that it can make structure swing sounding spontaneous. Whatever, it's a smoking date that delivers the goods mightily. A tasty workout... read more
It is a combative and faded Joe Locke that is revealed in the booklet of his "thin masks", a new work by an artist who will turn sixty this year, a composer and vibraphonist who made his way in the '90s as a man of the new generation and has reached 35 (!) records as a leader, as well as countless sideman sessions in the most varied areas, from Cecil Taylor to Grover Washington Jr.
We had left it in 2015 with the well-deserved Downbeat... read more
Dave Liebman pupil of the Mitch Paliga, records for more than twenty years, but released his first album until 2006. Which is to demonstrate the difficulties faced by professional musicians moving in a separate area which apart from the purely musical part, bear the burden of caring for themselves and for all the rest. From the cover and produce the CD, to play, promotion and distribution of natural and caring for the closure... read more
Seattle's Origin Records has become known as a label specializing in original music. Sometimes the concept falls flat, but frequently it works quite well. Almost all the tunes here are by members of the quartet. What it ultimately seems to come down to is that McCullough is a scintillating player and an authoritative presence on trumpet and flugelhorn. His colleagues - Bram Weijters, piano; Chuck Deardorf, bass; and John Bishop, drums - provide... read more
The French-Israeli mezzo-soprano Naama Liany is set to launch her debut album titled Daydream with a release show this January at the Philharmonie. The album was supported by the culture ministry and Kultur lx.
Tell us about your new album. What inspired the idea to create it?
My new album, Daydream, brings together works on the subject of dreams and daydreams by Samuel Barber, Leonard Bernstein, Federico Mompou and Albena... read more
"What happens in the zone, stays in the zone."
The career of Hal Galper has earned the pianist acclaim as both a performer and educator. Perhaps most importantly, it has drawn attention to his contributions to the music as a true innovator. While other pianists of his era gained more recognition, Galper sought out a career path where acclaim would be genuine among his peers and his audience, and not measured by the value of his... read more
RMR presents an interview with MAJA JAKU
RMR: Tell us about growing up in Kosovo. Did you leave Kosovo because of the war, and how did growing up in a war zone affect you on a personal and professional basis and when did you arrive in Austria? And tell us about your diverse musical influences while you were growing up.
MAJA JAKU: I grew up in Kosovo, in a deeply musical family. My uncle was a bass guitarist, and... 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