Browse some recent Origin Reviews.
Jim Knapp Orchestra - It's Not Business, It's Personal
by Michael van Gee, Jazz 'N' More (Switzerland)
4-STARS This newly released CD by Seattle-based trumpeter, composer, bandleader and arranger Jim Knapp, who died in November 2021 at the age of 82, was recorded in 2009. Composer and arranger Maria Schneider praises: "Jim Knapp's music is full of intensity, emotions and creative textures and should be better known. It is among the best that is currently being written." Unfortunately, Knapp is only known to insiders, although he was... read more
Steve Million - What I Meant to Say
by Editor, Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors
In the 1980s, Pianist Steve Million lived in a modest neighborhood that is now home to the beautiful Kauffman Gardens in Kansas City. Guitarist Steve Cardenas and pianist Steve Million were half of the Ida McBeth band of the era, along with drummer Jon Cushion and bassist Forrest Stewart.
The new Origin release, "What I Meant to Say" is a testament to Steve Million's talent as a songwriter. The November 2019 recording session in Paramus, NJ... read more
Storms/Nocturnes - VIA
by John Kelman, All About Jazz.com
Virtuosity can, when it's the raison d'�tre, be an impediment; when it's a foundation, in service of the music, it can be liberating. Storms/Nocturnes was initially the brainchild of Tim Garland but, after first convening as a subset of the sextet on the closing track to the British saxophonist/composer's Made By Walking (Stretch, 2000), ultimately evolved into a more egalitarian working trio. Both Storms/Nocturnes (Sirocco, 2001) and... read more
Michael Dease - City Life: Music of Gregg Hill
by David R. Adler, JazzTimes
The Year in Trios, 2025
This is the eminent trombonist's third effort devoted to the music of Michigan composer Gregg Hill (who coproduced the set). It's a double album but the first half fits our mandate, with just trombone, bass (Linda May Han Oh) and drums (Jeff "Tain" Watts). Virtuosity, blues feeling, swing rhythm sharpened to a dagger's edge — need I say more? Don't listen to me, listen to... read more
Giacomo Gates - Centerpiece
by Adam Greenburg, All Music Guide
Centerpiece is the third album from Connecticut-based crooner Giacomo Gates. This is full fledged jazz lounge singing at its contemporary best. The songs are standards from throughout the timeline of jazz, but with an extra ounce of emphasis on some of the writers: Cole Porter, Eddie Jefferson, King Pleasure. There are clear echoes in Gates' technique of Sinatra at times, Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross methods at times, and maybe a bit of Joe... read more
Nnenna Freelon - Beneath the Skin
by Thierry De Clemensat, Paris Move
More than just an extraordinary voice, Nnenna Freelon possesses above all a vision of her art, deconstructing the structures of songs to heighten their dramatic essence, as only the greatest artists can. A jazz album, certainly, but one that brushes against the blues and soul with expert wings, carrying emotions through each note with an instrumentation tailored to perfection, almost minimalist, revealing the delicate fragility of a true... read more
Piet Verbist - Secret Exit to Another Dimension
by Tom Haugen, Take Effect
The Antwerp bassist Piet Verbist has played a pivotal role in the Belgian jazz scene, and this 5th album on the Origin label has him aligning with Hendrik Braeckman on guitar and Lionel Beuvens behind the drum kit for a listen full of intimate and moody originals.
"The Other Side" opens the listen with a very stylish and upbeat display of bouncy bass, intricate guitar and frisky drums populating the lively jazz climate, and "A Noble Trice"... read more
Paul Ricci - The Path
by Editor, Bman's Blues Report
I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, The Path, by Paul Ricci and it's an interesting blend of contemporary and world jazz. Opening with "Major Look," Steve Jordan on drums, Manolo Badrena on percussion and Anthony Jackson on contrabass guitar, set a funky rhythm and Paul Ricci lays down a smooth melody, contrasted by Michael Wolff on electric piano. Electrifying opener. "Lobo" is particularly enticing, featuring... read more
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