If a repertory orchestra is going to do something, it might as well go big. Here, the Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra, in combination with the Oregon Repertory Singers and a handful of guests, take on music from Duke Ellington's three Sacred Music concerts. The performances are flawless, running the range from gospel to jazz to something mighty close to American opera, with nary a false note. And the compositions are of the highest caliber, of... read more
An excellent modern soul-jazz outing, Roll with It marks guitarist Corey Christiansen's second outing as a bandleader, and showcases some outstanding playing by the quartet. The pieces are all straightforward soul-jazz compositions, all from the pen of Christiansen, and all give the players, a motley crew from around the country, room to stretch out on extended solos and a general sense of improvisation. Though the compositions provide a core... read more
Tenor saxophonist Roxy Coss is a protege of trumpeter Jeremy Pelt, and on the 10 original compositions that make up Restless Idealism, it shows. Among other things she shares with Pelt (who appears on two tracks) are fondnesses for elaborate linear melodies and shifting times, and an eagerness to play with short-form conventions.
Not that Restless Idealism is far out: Actually, it's quite straight-ahead postbop. Coss and... read more
Dee Daniels is the kind of singer who really takes us back to our precious time spent in jazz clubs on the south side of Chicago a few decades back - during the days when the old school jazz singer seemed to be a dying breed, as few labels really understood how to capture their genius or present them to the public. Daniels has an easygoing, relaxed way of putting over a tune - yet still manages to come across with a rich, soulful vibe throughout... read more
Robby Ameen's leader work showcases his distinctive drumming, applied to a wide array of musical contexts, from straightahead and fusion to pop and rock. Diluvio (Spanish for flood), his third effort, finds him in the company of saxophonists Troy Roberts and Bob Franceschini, trombonist Conrad Herwig, pianists Edsel Gomez and Bill O'Connell, electric/acoustic bassist Lincoln Goines and conguero Mauricio Herrera.
The music, predominantly... read more
Nnenna Freelon's latest album, Beneath the Skin, is a concept album about looking within. Of the ten songs here, Freelon co-wrote nine of them. She certainly pulled together an amazing squad to bring these compositions to life, featuring Alan Pasqua on keys, Keith Ganz on guitar, Evan Roberson on trombone, Shana Tucker on cello, Jonathan Richards on bass and Steve Hass on drums, this band can play whatever Nnenna's got on her mind, from the... read more
With the exception of Alone Together, the AJQ, as they may one day be known, provides only original material here. I've heard tenor David Sills play bop and ballads and admire his warm, "reeled-in" sound. Playing mates Jamie Findlay, guitar; Zac Matthews, bass and Dean Koba, drums, all lend to a tightly knit quartet with a clean and precise approach. But where's the Monk, Miles and... read more
This isn't the first time that Anschell and Jensen have found their way into a recording studio. But it is their initial effort in pre�senting a set of jazz standards. Anschell has been an in-demand Seattle artist for some years now, and I believe that Jensen is still based somewhere in that jazz mecca called Idaho. Bassist Symer, a new name to me, completes the trio. I know that the soprano sax�ophone has become the "darling" of the smooth jazz... read more
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.
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
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Affinity Trio - New Outlook
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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