Browse some recent Origin Reviews.
Phil Kelly - Ballet of the Bouncing Beagles
by Tim Madison, JazzReview.com
The retro-big band sound on this release gleams bright like the bumper on a '57 Chevy. So bright, in fact, that a reasonably astute listener couldn't be blamed for wondering if the the Ballet of the Bouncing Beagles might not be the name of troupe of Vegas showgirls, burlesque dancers, or an Ice Capades show.
Phil Kelly and his Northwest Prevailing Winds bring a tight throwback athleticism to the proceedings here. Although they often skirt... read more
Benjamin Boone | Philip Levine - The Poetry of Jazz, Vol. 2
by Marilyn Castaneda, The Collegian - Fresno State University
When his first volume of "The Poetry of Jazz" released last year, nobody knew it would garner attention across the world with numerous accolades, spurring the release of his second volume this year.
Saxophonist and composer Benjamin Boone, a music theory professor at Fresno State, has had his music performed in 29 countries and is heard on more than 25 recordings.
He recently released "The Poetry of Jazz Volume Two," the second... read more
Rich Thompson - Less Is More
by John Barron, The Jazz Word
Drummer Rich Thompson is the driving force behind this propulsive quartet recording that features a choice selection of tunes and exceptional soloists. Trumpeter Terell Stafford adds an element of fire to Kenny Dorham's "Lotus Blossom" and eloquence to the ballad "It's Easy to Remember." Doug Stone's tenor saxophone replaces Stafford on a couple of tracks. His soloing is characterized by warmth and a free-flowing approach to phrasing,... read more
Hal Galper - Live at the Berlin Philharmonic, 1977
by Chris Spector, Midwest Record
One of the great you wish you were there moments is finally getting it's long over due release, this live date finds Galper fresh off the road from three years with Cannonball Adderley now fronting a band with the Brecker Brothers blowing away. With echoes of Miles in the air, along with a finger pounding that could only have led to early arthritis, this is a killer reminder why the late 70s was a golden and classic period for music no matter... read more
John Stowell - Solitary Tales
by John Barron, All About Jazz
An entire disc of solo, improvised guitar music could easily run the risk of sounding like one continuous tune. Fortunately, Portand, Oregon-based guitarist John Stowell applies enough depth and open-minded searching to his nylon-string guitar to keep things interesting throughout Solitary Tales. The eleven-track disc was recorded live at the home of master guitar luthier Mike Doolin, who builds guitars for Stowell. Relying heavily on... read more
Michael Waldrop - Native Son
by Olivia Peevas, Jazz Blues EU
Drummer, vibraphonist, and composer Michael Waldrop's on Native Son is an ambitious and diverse representation of his work, highlighted by a wide-ranging, cross-genre aesthetic and his wildly dynamic big band.
Inspired by the earthy and primal works of Cuban artist Wilfredo Lam, arranger Jack Cooper transformed three of Waldrop's compositions into an evocative and epic "Native Son," with the movements titled after three of his paintings.
A... read more
Mimi Fox with Greta Matassa - Two For The Road
by Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
This live set is shared by guitarist Mimi Fox and singer Greta Matassa, a combination that works together quite well. Matassa mostly performs a variety of standards (other than Fox's "You're No Angel"), and both swings and uplifts the material. A fine jazz singer, her improvising pays respect to the songs but contains its surprising moments. Fox, who heads the five-piece "backup group" (which also includes pianist Randy Halberstadt) and is... read more
Jordan VanHemert - Survival of the Fittest
by Editor, The Jazz Page
Jordan VanHemert's Survival of the Fittest is a compelling post-bop statement that channels personal adversity into musical resilience. Joined by an elite ensemble with Terell Stafford on trumpet, Michael Dease on trombone, Helen Sung on piano, Rodney Whitaker on bass, and Lewis Nash on drums, the production crafts a sonic narrative shaped by the lead's experiences as a Korean American artist navigating cultural and personal challenges.... read more
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