Browse some recent Origin Reviews.
Jeff Johnson - Free
by Dave Nathan, All Music Guide
Recorded live at the Old Town Ale House in Seattle, WA, Jeff Johnson and his cohorts have fashioned almost an hour's worth of artistic modern music expertly played by these Northwest jazz artists. The play list is well crafted and balanced with four originals by the trio and one each of a jazz and a classic standard. This CD is a set of six cerebral, intense performances that require a commitment on the part of the listener matching that of the... read more
Bad Luck - Four
by Ian Gwin, Earshot Jazz
For over a decade, Seattle-based duo Bad Luck—that's Neil Welch (saxes, electronics) and Chris Icasiano (drums)—have packed and unpacked their deceptively simple formula of drums and saxophone. Through their deep musical partnership, they continue to recast the mold of contemporary music. Over countless fiery performances and three full-length releases, the depth of the duo's compositional-improvisations has steadily developed, starting from... read more
Ted Brancato - The Next Step
by Robbie Gerson, Audiophile Audition
Growing up in Seattle (an under-appreciated jazz city), Ted Brancato became a regular performer with musicians passing through the Emerald City. This included Milt Jackson, Eddie Jefferson, Ernie Watts and Ernestine Anderson. An inevitable relocation to New York (sparked by collaboration with vocalist Gene McDaniels) helped to establish Brancato as an arranger, composer, accompanist and performer. He has recorded with a variety of jazz artists... read more
Ben Thomas - The Mystagogue
by Nils Jacobsen, All About Jazz
Seattle vibraphonist Ben Thomas offers a swinging, pulsing quintet sound on his second release, The Mystagogue. Thomas augments his core vibe/piano quartet with one of three clarinet and saxophone players on most of the tracks on the record, lending a ever-changing fifth voice to the ensemble. While the combination of piano and vibes might suggest the danger of over-crowding the midrange, Thomas and pianist Laura Caviani respect each other's... read more
Allison Adams Tucker - WANDERlust
by Dee Dee McNeil, Musicalmemoirs' Blog
This vocalist is quite extraordinary. She sings well in English, French, Portuguese, Italian, Spanish and Japanese on this groundbreaking recording. Yes, six languages and all sung with emotion, passion and sounding very authentic to this listener's ear. The singer and her longtime pianist, Josh Nelson, flew to New York and recorded with an International group of musicians. The results is a unique and pleasurable project. Tucker majored in... read more
Andrew Rathbun Large Ensemble - The Atwood Suites
by George W. Harris, Jazz Weekly
This two-disc set has George Schuller and Andrew Rathbun producing a rich collection of the leader's material, which is modern, rich and accessible. A mix of music and poetry by Margaret Atwood make for a delightful and ambitious listen.
There is a 3-Part "Two Islands," Souza's lovely voice over the pulsating reeds, while Tim Hagans sighs on "Two Islands II." Some rich post bop harmonies and rhythms are driven by Bill Stewart on "Two Islands... read more
Dann Zinn - Day of Reckoning
by Chris Spector, Midwest Record
Recorded as a farewell to Fantasy Studios, sax man Zinn and his pals recorded pretty much live off the floor capturing their vibes as well as the sounds that passed through those doors (even if some of them were recorded by Van Gelder on the other side of the country). These originals are all about energy and heart, both of which are delivered by the truck load. Smoking mainstream stuff that gives you a great view of a cat that just keeps... read more
Doug Scarborough - The Color of Angels
by Tom Haugen, Take Effect
The always impressive Doug Scarborough returns with a new batch of jazz tunes, and he's got Akram Abdulfattah, Jeremy Siskind, Damian Erskine, Mustafa Boztuy and Reinhardt Melz along for the ride.
The title track opens the listen with swift keys from Siskind, as Scarborough's bright brass and Melz's frisky drumming guide the timeless jazz climate, and "Limitless" follows with a soulful approach where Abdulfattah's precise violin adds much to... 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