Browse some recent Origin Reviews.
David Friesen Circle 3 Trio - Interaction
by Chris Spector, Midwest Record
A twofer made up of a studio recording and a live set, the bass ace finds himself in the company of two different drummers, each bringing a different coloration to the sound. Never straying far from his jazz/new age/world vibe, if you listen to this on a play list and don't check what's going on, you could almost mistake this for an Oregon record you thought you missed. A defining alt.jazz set, Friesen sets sails for uncharted waters but never... read more
John Stowell / Michael Zilber - Basement Blues
by Robert Rusch, Cadence
I remember JOHN STOWELL [g] from the mid '70s when he made a series of rather ethereal recordings. Over the years he seems to have tempered that sound. His latest pairs him up once more with his long time associate, MICHAEL ZILBER [sax/p]. BASEMENT BLUES [Origin 82717] is with the quartet [John ShifflettÂb, Jason Lewis drm] recorded 3/12 and 3/15. The program here is made up of 8 originals plus one Jerome Kern [Nobody Else But Me] and one... read more
Jon Alberts / Jeff Johnson / Tad Britton - Apothecary
by Dan McClenaghan, All About Jazz
An Internet search for the Fu Kun Wu Lounge in Seattle, Washington's Ballard neighborhood, reveals one patron's assessment of it as "one of the best kept secrets of the Seattle Jazz Scene." Many of the city's dynamic Origin Records stars perform in the converted Chinese herbalist's shop; players like pianists Bill Anschell and Marc Seales, saxophonist Hans Teuber and bassist Jeff "Free" Johnson. So how the lounge remains a secret is a... read more
Pharez Whitted - For the People
by Aaron Cohen, Downbeat Magazine
Trumpeter Pharez Whitted does not hide his populist intentions He titled his latest album For the People (Origin) and loaded it with compositions that highlight a bright tone and optimistic spirit.
"Music has the power to help mellow out some screwed-up philosophies," Whitted said at a cafe near his home on Chicago's South Side. "I'd like my music to speak ot that. Believe in something--hope. I don't want to preach; I just want... read more
Les DeMerle - Cookin' At The Corner, Volume 2
by Larry Hollis, Cadence, April-June 2008
"Cookin' At The Corner, Vol. 2" is a live club set from Hilton Head, South Carolina. Les De Merle
leads his trio from the drums and sings rougher material like "Work Song" and "All Around The World" in an energetic if occasionally overdone voice, leaving his wife, Bonnie Eisele, to sing more standard songs in a warm, Jazzy voice. The music is lively all the way through with pianist Mike Levine getting in some nice soloing as well as providing a... read more
David Friesen - My Faith, My Life
by Chris Spector, Midwest Record
Anyone up for a two disc tour de force from a contemporary master playing at the penultimate part of his game with so much yet to explore? One disc solo bass and one disc solo piano, Friesen makes a statement like never before as this instrumental music sails way past category showing what it really means to play your heart out. Simply masterful stuff from a master making you hear things you never thought you could hear from one man and one... read more
Hal Galper Trio - The Zone: Live at the Yardbird Suite
by Chris Spector, Midwest Record
A geezer who could be forgiven for playing pretty as he thinks about checking out, label stalwart Galper is having none of that. Still a forward thinking piano man, he stands as one of the greats that could teach the young 'uns a thing or two about turning out great jazz. The recording is so in the moment that when he listened to it a few months later, Galper didn't even recognize himself playing. How bad ass is that? Solid stuff as far... read more
Les DeMerle - Hittin' the Blue Notes, Volume 2
by Dan McClenaghan, All About Jazz
A lot of us jazz fans cut our listening teeth on Blue Note records by Horace Silver, Art Blakey, Lee Morgan and more. The Dynamic Les DeMerle Band's Hittin' the Blue Notes, Vol. 2 celebrates that classic sound with a set of swinging, hard-driving hard bop tunes.
Les DeMerle sat in the drummer's chair in the Harry James Orchestra for twelve years, and he brings to this project an exuberant and swinging propulsion, a crisp and brightly... 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