Browse some recent Origin Reviews.
Christopher Icasiano - Provinces
by Gregg Daniel Miller, Free Jazz Blog
4 1/2 STARS I had to listen to this record for months before I could write about it. It's that different. Percussion solo records are an interesting breed, and this one doesn't remind me of anything.
Icasiano's percussiveness is all about the pacing and grouping of the beats. Clusters, clusters, driving and then receding, with crisscross patterns emerging from the maelstrom. Psychedelic. Disorienting. There is no "one," and while... read more
Pharez Whitted - For the People
by Aaron Cohen, Downbeat Magazine
Trumpeter Pharez Whitted does not hide his populist intentions He titled his latest album For the People (Origin) and loaded it with compositions that highlight a bright tone and optimistic spirit.
"Music has the power to help mellow out some screwed-up philosophies," Whitted said at a cafe near his home on Chicago's South Side. "I'd like my music to speak ot that. Believe in something--hope. I don't want to preach; I just want... read more
Michael Waldrop Big Band - Time Within Itself
by Fred Bouchard, Downbeat
Drummer Waldrop writes hummable tunes that jump in guess-where twists. Here, he shares bustling charts with ex-boss Jack Cooper (hear Mists, his alluring Charles Ives tribute). On the title track, "Munich Musings" and "Twisted Barb," he packs missed crannies with lightning fills.... read more
Scott Reeves - Portraits and Places
by Doug Simpson, Audiophile Audition
There's inspired music coursing through the debut album by the Scott Reeves Jazz Orchestra. During the hour-long Portraits and Places, Reeves shows many inspirations, from pianist James Williams (his résumé includes stints with Art Blakey and Clark Terry as well as jazz education) to composers such as Aaron Copland and Leonard Bernstein. Through eight compositions (seven originals by Reeves plus one by Antonio Carlos Jobim), Reeves takes his... read more
Clarence Penn - Behind the Voice
by Dorothea Gängel, Jazz 'N' More (Switzerland)
4-STARS Clarence Penn is one of the most dynamic jazz drummers in the world. But that's not all: Thanks to his versatility and professionalism, he has led numerous bands in the past, composed music for films and commercials, and produced songs for a variety of pop and jazz musicians. His career began in New York in 1991. He toured with greats such as Betty Carter, Wynton Marsalis, Jacky Terrasson, Dizzy Gillespie, Dianne Reeves and Mike... read more
George Colligan - The Endless Mysteries
by Travis Rogers, Jr., JazzTimes
This is one of those albums where you look at the line-up and know that you are in for something extraordinary. George Colligan has been enjoying an increasingly visible profile and continually takes giant leaps forward. This album sees him with Larry Granadier on bass and the incomparable Jack DeJohnette on drums.
George?s relationship with DeJohnette began years ago when George was subbing in a rehearsal session for him. The way George... read more
Scenes - Trapeze
by Chris Spector, Midwest Record
With the original line up coming together for the first time in 20 years, they play together like they haven't missed a step. With most of the tunes by the MIA sax man who originally left for health reasons, everyone is right back in step. With a Seattle take on a New York feel for modern sax jazz, it's that hypnotic kind of set that breathes well in the background or foreground, powered by pros that know how to... read more
Chuck Deardorf - Transparence
by Doug Ramsey, Rifftides
Deardorf's prowess is hardly unknown outside Seattle, even though he rarely leaves the Pacific Northwest. For a quarter-century or more he has been a mainstay of the Seattle scene and a primary on-call bassist for dozens of visiting musicians including Chet Baker, Zoot Sims, George Cables, Art Farmer, Jimmy Rowles and Kenny Burrell. In Transparence, he is out front in a collection that underlines his musicianship, versatility and leadership. The... read more
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