Browse some recent Origin Reviews.
Clipper Anderson - The Road Home
by John Barron, The Jazz Word
A flowing, uninhibited approach could describe Clipper Anderson's bass playing. With impressive technical flourishes and lyrical phrasing, the Seattle veteran stands front-and-center on his trio release The Road Home. Joined by equally dynamic band mates, pianist Darin Clendenin and drummer Mark Ivester, Anderson explores not only his capacities as a performer but also his range as a composer and arranger. The disc features many of Anderson's... read more
Alain Mallet - Mutt Slang II: A Wake of Sorrows Engulfed in Rage
by Paul Rauch, All About Jazz
The art of jazz would seem to be a mystery to most, and at the same time, a language understood by many. In the entirety of its history, it has served as a central location for idiomatic change, a virtual jumping off point for explorative ventures into both new and traditional world forms. The wide lens of the music of pianist/composer Alain Mallet mirrors in a way, the large embrace of all humankind necessary globally to build a meaningful... read more
Richard Sussman - Continuum
by George Fendel, Oregon Jazz Scene
When CDs contain mostly or exclusively original music, I look for one primary characteristic. If I can?t find it, the CD is usually not a prime candidate for review. It?s as simple as ? a well-defined melody. If that?s old-fashioned, so be it. But I lose my sense of direction when I can?t discern a melody as a foundation for the improvisation which follows. I know nothing of Richard Sussman other than he?s probably a New Yorker (judging from the... read more
John Bishop - Antwerp
by Debra Jan Bibel, Amazon
Sophisticated Musical Surprises
*****
Drummer John Bishop (founder of esteemed Seattle-based Origin Records) is mainly found supporting other ensembles, but this album has him as leader of a piano trio. He is teamed with Belgian pianist Bram Weijeters and bassist Piet Verbist, with whom he performed over the years during his travels. The varied and balanced tracks of new and reworked originals plus takes on Lawns by Carla Bley, Henry... read more
Andrea Brachfeld & Insight - Evolution
by Chris Spector, Midwest Record
The pandemic changed the world view of this Afro Cuban flautist of five decades standing into focusing more on children in need in times of need. The music certainly doesn't sound as down mouthed as that so don't fear. Brachfeld and her long standing crew of real pros are all in synch with the new vibe. This is one powerful gal that wont be held back and the music is the... read more
Barry Greene - Giants
by George Harris, Jazz Weekly
Guitarist Barry Greene sticks to his color charts as he gives hints of guitarist Grant Green on this satisfyingly swinging stringed session. He switches between Pat Bianchi/B3, David Kikoski/p, Steve Nelson/vib and Marco Panascia/b, with Ulysses Owens Jr/dr being the only other constant, supplying a supple support. With Bianchi's humming Hammond, Greene brings in some clever effects on the delicate opening to buildup blueser "Backtrack" wile... read more
Rich Thompson - Less Is More
by Tim Willcox, Jazz Society of Oregon
The Eastman School of Music's Thompson puts together a satisfying straight-ahead affair with "Less is More." Borrowing two members of Matt Wilson's "Arts and Crafts" ensemble (pianist and organist Gary Versace, an alumni of Eastman, as well as trumpeter Terell Stafford), the material does have some similarities with Wilson's modus operandi. A wonderful mix of Blue Note-era jazz standards and original contributions, "Less is More" is at once an... read more
Jessica Williams - Songs of Earth
by Larry Hollis, Cadence
Songs of Earth dispenses with the upright bass and trap drum kit for a solo piano recital from Pacific Northwest player Jessica Williams. She had built up a healthy discography before she started devoting herself to solo settings in the eighties and these mostly improvised meditations were taken from tapings over a two year period (2009-2011) at Seattle's Triple Door. Pensive is the operative word here drawn from a half-dozen Williams writings... 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