Origin Records Reviews

Kim Richmond / Clay Jenkins Ensemble - CrossWeave
by Online review, CD Universe

For those not familiar with the Kim Richmond/Clay Jenkins Ensemble, this disc is an excellent introduction into how jazz sounds when the rhythm section is real (non-synth) and the arrangements pull the horns together in a rhythmically complex yet harmonically clean unison that has become the trademark of Kim Richmond's arrangements. "Trouble Shooter" has an almost film-noir Johnny Mandel flavor with a frenetic tension that builds through the... read more

John Moulder - The Eleventh Hour
by John Barron, The Jazz Word

Chicago guitarist John Moulder delivers an impressive live set with his quintet on The Eleventh Hour, recorded at the legendary Green Mill jazz club. Moulder's compositions tend to lean on modal frameworks with odd-metered grooves. His pieces have accessible qualities while presenting daunting musical challenges to the players involved. A thoughtful improviser who takes the time to tell a compelling story, Moulder is able to utilize a variety... read more

Amit Friedman - Unconditional Love
by Burak Sulunbaz, Cazkolik (Istanbul)

The future of Middle Eastern jazz: Unconditional Love by Amit Friedman, one of the most creative musicians of Israeli jazz, was released on May 7, from Origin Records. Friedman has produced a world music in which we can hear the elements of American jazz, beyond the traditional sound palette of Middle Eastern jazz from that he came from. At the age of 14, Friedman went to New York to visit the Blue Note Jazz Club with his... read more

Dave Slonaker Big Band - Convergency
by George W Harris, Jazz Weekly

Big band leader Dave Slonaker brings together a collection of some of the West Coast's top session studs to interpret his charts and tunes on this collection of mostly originals. The only cover is a velvety rendition of "I Had The Craziest Dream" that gives trumpeter Wayne Bergeron a chance to give a rich aria. Many of the tunes have an Aaron Copland type of majesty, with rich section work on the swinging "Convergency" or elegiac harmonies on "A... read more

Metropolitan Jazz Octet - The Bowie Project
by Brice Boorman, Chalked Up Reviews

In the vast world of jazz, where traditional sounds seamlessly meld with both classic and modern influences, the Metropolitan Jazz Octet (MJO), alongside vocalist Paul Marinaro, has redefined genre boundaries with their ambitious Origin Records endeavor, The Bowie Project. This album stands out for its excellence in various facets of music production, singing, and performance.

Take, for instance, MJO's rendition of David Bowie's "Changes,"... read more

Delia Fischer - Delia Fischer: Beyond Bossa
by Mariana Peixoto, Estado de Minas Cultura (Brazil)

Delia Fischer, 60 years old with a 40 year career, has an outlier trajectory. A pianist by training, she soon embarked on an instrumental path. Later, she arrived at musical theater. She worked a lot, but there was professional dissatisfaction in the air. This issue was only resolved when she started singing her own songs, which effectively happened in 2010, with "Presente", her second solo album.

The recently released "Delia Fischer Beyond... read more

Piet Verbist - Zygomatik
by Dave Sumner, emusic Review

An album that has all types of swagger and sway. Bassist Verbist creates a groove that is all about Serious Cool, yet undeniably thoughtful and even cerebral at times. Bram Weijters on the keys, which is a big bonus from a sideman standpoint. One of those albums that can appeal to modern jazz enthusiasts and old school jazz fans alike. Non-jazz reference: Fans of Morphine should take a listen to this. Highly... read more

Hal Galper Trio - Airegin Revisited
by John Barron, The Jazz Word

For a few years now, veteran pianist Hal Galper has been experimenting with an approach to jazz improvisation that he refers to as "rubato." This concept, as demonstrated on a series of recordings for Origin Records, uses familiar pieces and song forms and takes rather spontaneous liberty with tempo and tune structure. This may not seem like anything too out of the ordinary for the solo pianist, but within the context of a trio it would appear... read more

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