Browse some recent Origin Reviews.
May Okita - Art of Life
by George W Harris, Jazz Weekly
Gentle toned vocalist May Okita creates gentle sonatas with the spartan support of guitarist Larry Koonse and pianist Josh Nelson on this delicate collection of standards. Her sandied tone is attractively intimate with Nelson on a alluring "Let's Face the Music and Dance" while Nelson provides streamlike ripples for a contemplative "Both Sides Now." A troubadour'd take of "Detour Ahead" has Okita in a breathy form as she floats over Koonses... read more
Lorin Cohen - Home
by Peter Margasak, Chicago Reader
Though he's lived in New York since 2012, bassist Lorin Cohen reveals the modesty instilled by his Chicago upbringing on his recently released debut Home (Origin), playing with a soulful muscularity and helming his band's harmonic shapes and rhythmic thrust rather than trying to command center stage. Cohen understands what it takes to make a band sound better without drawing attention to himself. Before leaving town he spent five years on the... read more
Maja Jaku - Blessed & Bewitched
by Robert Silverstein, Roots Music Report
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
Rodney Whitaker with the Christ Church Cranbrook Choir - Cranbrook Christmas Jazz
by Troy Dostert, All About Jazz
4-STARS Bassist Rodney Whitaker has been a huge presence in Michigan jazz for decades, with his leadership of the Michigan State University jazz program complementing his many other projects and giving him the opportunity to mentor upcoming generations of jazz talent. He has become a crucial ambassador for the music as well, with community outreach being a critical aspect of his mission. One of his most essential endeavors has been his... read more
Storms/Nocturnes - VIA
by Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
Storms/Nocturnes consists of pianist Geoff Keezer, vibraphonist Joe Locke, and multi-reed player Tim Garland. While they have worked together in the past, this is the first time they have recorded under this new name. The beauty of this release is due in part to the Impressionist nature of each musician's originals, as it is easy to conceive images to every track. The trio fleshes out each composition with brilliant solos and tight ensembles.... read more
Hal Galper Quartet featuring Jerry Bergonzi - Cubist
by George W. Harris, Jazz Weekly
One of the un-heralded giants of jazz, pianist Hal Galper displays style, class and the taste that only comes from years of being on the scene. He brings up fellow vet Jerry Bergonzi/ts along with the supple support of Jeff Johnson/b and John Bishop/dr for a mix of standards and originals. Of the latter, the team stretches out on Johnson's own "Scene West" with some lyrical bass work and Galper delivering substance and accessible creativity,... read more
Dmitri Matheny - Cascadia
by Tom Haugen, Take Effect
The flugelhornist Dmitri Matheny takes the company of Charles McNeal (tenor, soprano sax), Bill Anschell (piano), Phil Sparks (bass) and Mark Ivester (drums) for this timeless and exciting jazz affair.
The title track opens the listen with warm keys and soothing brass, as a very warm spirit enters the graceful climate, and "On A Misty Night" follows with playful bass and bright flugelhorn making for a crisp and dynamic album... read more
Metropolitan Jazz Octet - The Bowie Project
by Cedric Hendrix, Cirdec Songs
Speaking of David Bowie, I'm digging on this little ditty from Origin Records. The The Metropolitan Jazz Octet has done a terrific job rearranging a collection of Bowie tunes from rock and pop to jazz. Vocalist Paul Marinaro sings in different ranges than the original tunes, giving them a nice, new flavor.
What I love most is the band spends a decent amount of time on Bowie's Heathen album, which is one of my personal favorites. Well done,... read more
Looking for a specific review?
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.
Search Reviews:
Recently Added Reviews:
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