If you're like me, you can never get enough Monk, whether it's the iconic pianist-composer himself, or, as in this case, an affectionate tribute by another player. Bobby Broom's recent album for Origin Records is a showcase of Monk's greatest hits, played with style and a bit of Monk-ian wit here and there by the talented Broom and his trio. Bassist Dennis Carroll and drummer Kobie Watkins keep it subtle and swinging in support of Broom's energy... read more
The Affinity Trio has spent four years in weekly residency at Milwaukee's historic Mason Street Grill. The trio is made up of three dynamic Midwest jazz players including Eric Jacobson on trumpet, Pamela York on piano, and Clay Schaub on bass. They fit together deliciously, smooth as fresh baked bread and butter. One thing that impressed me right away, I didn't even miss a drummer. They set the time and tempo without any percussion at all.... read more
Darrell Grant strides into a ragtag band room where students have assembled for a beginning jazz combo class. Chairs and music stands are scattered around a piano and drum set, where Grant keeps the beat as they struggle with a tricky Herbie Hancock tune. Through frequent breakdowns, he guides them patiently.
The floor is covered with green linoleum in this windowless basement far from the New York stages where Grant made his mark as a... read more
Matt Jorgensen has created a profound moving work on Tattooed by Passion, his CD honoring his father-in-law, Dale Chisman, who was considered Colorado's most significant abstract painter for thirty years until his untimely death on August 29, 2008. Matt includes several photos of Dale's work in the liner notes, which give a clear indication of Chisman's talent.
What drew me into this CD was the wide variety of musical palettes that Jorgensen... read more
An extremely unique project, the New York City bassist Lincoln Goines enlists ten world class bassists, as well as drummers and string players for a fascinating listen that explores the many facets of the bass.
"All Blues" gets the listen off to a stylish and melodic start, where Goines and Tom Kennedy offer playful bass solos amid Ben Perowsky's fluid drumming, and "Spank A Lee" follows with Dennis Chamber's frisky drums that complement... read more
The Trio East's new album, Best Bets, is a decidedly relaxed affair, and that is in no way a bad thing. Clay Jenkins is a smart, economical trumpet player with an exceptional, dynamic rhythm section behind him. Jeff Campbell on bass plays smoothly and dramatically, and works very well in conjunction with Rich Thompson on drums. Thompson is an amazing drummer, with a strong sense of tempo, and his excellent playing adds tension and drama to the... read more
Jazz trumpeter, composer and producer Thomas Marriott is a veteran of the national jazz scene who's earned seven Golden Ear awards, produced 11 albums as a leader for Origin Records, and toured with greats like Maynard Ferguson and Roy McCurdy, as well as contemporary jazz artists Orrin Evans and Joe Locke." (http://thomasmarriott.net/biography/) This is Marriot's twelfth release as a leader and it is a real gem! In addition to Marriott's... read more
Collier, a brilliant composer musician on vibraphone, marimba, piano and drums, recorded this entire CD in his own studio, a recording home he has perfected for decades. So he moves easily from solos to entire ensemble pieces showcasing the various instruments he palys. It is inventive and you will feel very much the talent of the writing, arranging, and playing in these eleven tunes.
"Little Green Thing" has lovely, light solo vibes, very... 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
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