Browse some recent Origin Reviews.
New Stories - Hope is in the Air
by Peter Monaghan, Earshot
After many years of relative obscurity, Elmo Hope is getting at least some of this due. A contemporary of Thelonious Monk, Hope long was overshadowed by that askew genius. With some overcorrection, he of late has been compared in greatness with Monk. That might be over-reaching, but the point, really, is that comparisons aren't as useful as plain appreciation of an undoubtedly great musician's accomplishments.
In fact, as Don Sickler relates... read more
Anthony Branker and Word Play - The Forward (Towards Equality) Suite
by George W. Harris, Jazz Weekly
This session lead by composer and music director Anthony Branker can be approached one of two ways. Musically, it boasts of a horn section of David Binney/as, Ralph Bowen/ts-ss-fl and Conrad Herwig/tb that is second to none, with Bowers delivering a riveting tenor solo on "Our Dreams." The rhythm section of Renato Thoms/perc, Donald Edwards/dr, Kenny Davis/b and Jim Ridl/key is swinging yet flexible over things like post bop cookers like... read more
Michael Bisio & Timothy Hill - Inside Voice / Outside Voice
by Tom Haugen, Take Effect
Timothy Hill brings his vocals and guitar to Michael Bisio's bass for these avant-garde influenced jazz songs that welcome 3 originals, as well as interpretations of 3 ballads and 3 improvised classics.
"Wise One" opens the listen with soft bass plucking and atmospheric guitar playing in the very minimal climate, and "My One And Only Love" follows with a soft, folksy quality that showcases Hill's poetic singing.
Halfway through, the... read more
Dee Daniels - Jazzinit
by Geoff Chapman, CODA Jan/Feb 2008
There is nothing quite like Vancouver vocalist Dee Daniels' dark contralto with it's huge four-octave range. Even with such vocal chops, however, she makes every nuance noticeable, offering exhilarating, well-shaped notes and phrases. Her signature dramatic sense and emotional thrust are ever-present in this album ? traits apparent to the lucky patrons who heard her co-emcee the National Jazz Awards in 2006.
On a dozen tunes she dances... read more
Peter Lerner - Continuation
by Chris Spector, Midwest Record
How about some real Chicago jazz? Ace guitar man Lerner spent two years whipping this crew into shape so her could craft a band date tipping the cap to his mentor, piano man Willie Pickens, who is part of the band. It's fully Chicago jazz with a modern edge played by a crew that's really on board. Mostly originals with Miles nephew at the wheel, there's plenty here to perk up the most jaded ears. A smashing set that really knows hot to... read more
Bruce Barth Trio - Dedication
by Tom Haugen, Take Effect
An important piece of the New York jazz scene for 4 decades now, Bruce Barth brings his inimitable piano skills to these 7 well thought out and rich pieces that welcome Vincente Archer (bass) and Montez Coleman (drums).
"George's Party (For George Perry)" opens the listen with a bouncy and frisky display of warm keys, swift drumming and fluid bass lines, and "Courage (For All Of Us)" follows with a calmer display of agile piano and strategic... read more
Dana Hall - Into the Light
by Jim Santella, Cadence
Drummer Dana Hall mixes Jazz mainstream material with some heavily progressive textures on this recording debut as leader. As a member of Terell Stafford's quintet, he's familiar with the members of this ensemble; they share a fondness for group-speak, where unison passages fill the bill and individual soloing remains prominent. Hall, who studied aerospace engineering at Iowa State University, sees the role of drummer as a creative force in Jazz... read more
Paul Tynan - quARTet
by Peter Hum, Ottawa Citizen
Antigonish-based trumpeter Paul Tynan's latest album wastes no time in getting down to hard-swinging business.
After a few pickup bars, Tynan's composition More Than Just A Single Road treats listeners to authoritative post-bop that recalls the early '80s music of Wynton Marsalis thanks to some of its harmonic and structural details. Tynan's lead-off solo highlights his own muscular yet lyrical approach to improvising, while pianist Dan... read more
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