Browse some recent Origin Reviews.
Jessica Williams - Touch
by George Fendel, Oregon Jazz Scene
Williams might say otherwise, but really, she has nothing to prove. Each new CD she has brought out in recent years is a passionate and joyous journey. Especially so is this new CD, where she plays solo and allows the piano to sing exquisite melodies, both hers and those of others. The opener is Gershwin's "I Loves You Porgy," and it receives a nearly rhapsodic treatment, played as lovingly as possible. Williams has composed prolifically over... read more
David Friesen - Structures
by George W. Harris, Jazz Weekly
David Friesen uses his unique Hemage Bass to create a two cd set of intimate duets, one with saxist Joe Manis and the other with cool toned guitarist Larry Koonse. The result on the former is a tender and reflective mix of pieces such as the nimble grooved "Martin's Balconey" with delightful soprano and a warm vibrato'd "Brilliant Heart" featuring a warm tenor. Friesen throws in a little piano on the post bopping "New Hope" and pastoral "Going... read more
Laurie Antonioli - The Constant Passage of time
by C. Michael Bailey, All About Jazz
West coast vocalist and teacher Laurie Antonioli has had a storied jazz career (which she has mentioned committing to the page one day). Presently, she is enjoying a calm period of determined evolution and realization that has resulted in her most recent recordings: American Dreams (Intrinsic Music, 2010), Songs Of Shadow, Songs Of Light: The Music Of Joni Mitchell (Origin Records, 2014) and Varuna (Origin Records, 2015). Antonioli extends her... read more
Brad Goode - Chicago Red
by C. Michael Bailey, All About Jazz
Chicago cum Colorado trumpeter Brad Goode also likes the sound of the electric piano, employing it liberally (at the hands of Jeff Jenkins) on Chicago Red. His mix also includes the funky guitar of Bill Kopper and electric bass of Bijoux Barbosa. How he differs from Jeremy Pelt, in this respect, is in his more organic application of the electric instruments. Goode's version of funk is tightly scripted and more reminiscent of James Brown and Sly... read more
Ted Brancato - The Next Step
by George W. Harris, Jazz Weekly
Keyboardist Ted Brancato brings to the field a mix of acoustic and electric musicians including Ron Carter/b as well as a reed and brass section for this collection of material that goes from funk to cheery acoustic. Easy and bluesy jazz comes out on pieces such as "Kinshasa" and "I Don't Want to Fall" while the funk factor is spotlighted on the percussive "Karate Kid" and "It's The Little Things." What used to be called "Adult... read more
Josh Nelson - Exploring Mars
by Kirk Silsbee, Downbeat
Josh Nelson is the most accomplished of the younger L.A. jazz pianist-arrangers, and he has assembled a fine group of originals, along with Holst's foreboding "Mars, Bringer of War," on Exploring Mars. An opening reading from Ray Bradbury's Martian Chronicles sets the tone, with Nelson handling the relaxed recitation over Larry Koonse's discreet guitar chords. The small ensemble music in this collection is often lyrical, harmonically rich and... read more
Rodney Whitaker - Mosaic: The Music of Gregg Hill
by Thierry De Clemensat, Paris Move
"Indispensable" Gregg Hill continues to inspire thousands of musicians, and this time, the illustrious Rodney Whitaker takes up the mantle, offering us an album of remarkable enthusiasm. Deeply connected to Origin Records—a label that has become something of a home for him—Whitaker's impressive array of musical endeavors is too vast to fully explore here. For those yet unfamiliar with his work, it is worth noting that he was a... read more
Ark Ovrutski - Intersection
by Mike Jurkovic, Elmore Magazine
Since his arrival in America from Kiev in 2005, bassist/composer Ark Ovrutski has steadily gained deserved entrance into the NY jazz scene with his intuitive fusion of global musics and their vivid interplay, all of which is on full display on Intersection.
Bill Evans's imitable "Waltz for Debby" opens Intersection and finds this top-shelf quintet - trombonist Michael Dease, saxophonist Michael Thoms, pianist Helio Alves, percussionist... 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