Browse some recent Origin Reviews.
Brian Chin - Universal Language
by Daniel R. Coombs, Audiophile Audition
****
The new CD, Universal Language by trumpeter Brian Chin, makes a welcome addition to the classical trumpet repertory. Mr, Chin, a symphony professional in the Seattle area is clearly a gifted musician with a nice rounded tone, excellent technique and a commitment to new literature. In fact, the program here is the real surprise and a prime reason to check this out! "Poesia" by Robert Kechley is very pretty, rather impressionistic but... read more
Anthony Branker and Ascent - Together
by Kirk Silsbee, Downbeat Magazine
Composer Anthony Branker has six of his songs played by a capable ensemble, but he curiously takes credit as "musical director" as well. Presumably that means he handled the arrangements, but what else? Listening alone doesn't make it clear.
What is clear is that this is a good, if not groundbreaking, small band jazz album. The tunes bring to mind a milder version of what Art Blakey or Horace Silver's bands might be playing if those two... read more
Lower Monumental - Mayday Session
by Adam Greenburg, All Music Guide
Two-thirds of the group formerly known as Flatland return for a new debut with this one, a recording of a live improv session on one of Seattle's better avant-garde radio stations. The music is relatively similar to that of Flatland, with the notable removal of a bass and addition of a sax, courtesy of Saul Cline, a session player occasionally with Matt Jorgensen + 451. The atmosphere is particularly spacey here, but generally aims for the... read more
Hal Galper - Trip the Light Fantastic
by George Fendel, Jazz Society of Oregon
I'm really delighted to see Galper return to a straight ahead orientation on a fresh, buoyant new release. Working with Seattle veterans Jeff Johnson, bass, and John Bishop, drums, Galper makes it clear that this is going to be a brisk outing from note one. And that first note brings in "Alice In Wonderland." But this version, as opposed to most others, leaves no prisoners, as Galper and company go for broke. Having gotten out of the gate in a... read more
Chad McCullough & Bram Weijters - Abstract Quantities
by Chris Spector, Midwest Record
It's kind of funny to think in these terms but this crew has been around so long that emusic used to sing their praises. I mean it's funny to think that's so long ago but nanoseconds count in particle world. But the music? Emusic was right then and if they were still around, they'd be right today. This bunch continues to grow, thrive and feed off each others vibes and energy in fine style. Playing with the spirit of a crew like... read more
Matt Vashlishan - No Such Thing
by John Kelman, All About Jazz
With more and more young players releasing their debuts, it's no small challenge to filter one's way to the top of the growing pile of CDs released each month. Saxophonist Matt Vashlishan couldn't have chosen a better route than on No Such Thing. Recruiting three-fourths of saxophonist Dave Liebman's stellar group?not just one of jazz's hardest working quartets, but one of its most exciting as well?including Liebman, ever-versatile guitarist Vic... read more
Michael Dease - City Life: Music of Gregg Hill
by Editor, JazzTimes
TOP JAZZ RELEASES - JUNE 2025
Trombonist Michael Dease scales back to trio on the first half of City Life, his third Origin release devoted to music by composer Gregg Hill (after The Other Shoe and Found in Space, both of which had fuller instrumentation). Disc one finds the leader stretching out in a chordless context with bassist Linda May Han Oh and drummer Jeff "Tain" Watts. The format gives Dease endless room to deal on a high level... read more
Bobby Broom - The Way I Play: Live In Chicago
by Paul Abella, Chicago Jazz
Bobby Broom's latest disc on Origin Records is simply titled, The Way I Play. And after a couple of listens I have to say it's one of the most apropos titles that I've come across. Broom's fluidity and excellent note choice are on constant display through nearly seventy minutes of music. This is an album that is well worth your time and money.
If you've followed Broom's career, the first thing you'll notice is the song choice. Whether he's... read more
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