Browse some recent Origin Reviews.
Dave Slonaker Big Band - Convergency
by Travis Rogers, Jr., The Jazz Owl
After the massive success of his 2013 debut album, Intranda, Dave Slonaker perceived the time to be ripe for a new era of Big Band music. His new album, Convergency, is the brilliant and much-anticipated follow-up.
Performing Slonaker's originals are a fantastic collection of favorite artists like Larry Koonse on guitar, Bob Sheppard on alto and soprano sax and flute, and the great Peter Erkine on drums. The full line-up includes:
Brian... read more
Greta Matassa - Favorites From A Long Walk
by George Fendel, Jazz Scene
If you missed the recent Vocal Madness gig at the Benson Hotel, here is your chance to get acquainted with Greta Matassa, a Seattle-based singer who wowed the crowd on that occasion. She gets to the heart of a song, expressing the lyric with great feeling, but never indulging in show-biz shtick. For this album, Metassa chooses 13 tunes, most of which, while familiar, are welcome, lesser known gems. Her pianist, Darin Clendenin, is especially... read more
John Moulder - The Eleventh Hour
by Howard Reich, Chicago Tribune
If Chicagoan John Moulder had decided to become a full-time jazz guitarist rather than a Catholic priest who plays guitar, he probably would be quite famous, for his virtuosity as an instrumentalist is matched by his ferocity as a performer. Then, again, he wouldn't be the man he is now, an artist who views faith and music as expressions of the same spirit, which may help explain why he sounds like no one else in jazz. That's clear once again... read more
Alex Graham - The Good Life
by Adam Greenburg, All Music Guide
This quartet session, led by sax player Alex Graham, takes a crack at showing off all that can be right with a quartet in the post-bop era. The tone is generally light, with a fair amount of call and response between Graham's sax and the rhythm section. Generally the demeanor is bouncing, almost like an updated Sunny Side of the Street. The band deals well with originals as well as nice pieces from Wayne Shorter and even a small-band arrangement... read more
Collier & Dean - Duets
by John Henry, Audiophile Audition
Speaking of duos, here's another one you don't run into every day. Collier started his career early, playing the marimba on the Lawrence Welk Show at age 9. Tom and Dan's families ended up in Seattle, where the two began performing and recording together. Later at the U. of Washington Tom met and worked with clarinetist Bill Smith, heard on many Dave Brubeck recordings. Bringing in Dan on bass made the Bill Smith Trio. Both also spent time in... read more
Chris Walden Big Band - Home Of My Heart
by Adam Greenburg, All Music Guide
A young big band conductor. A rarity to be sure, but not necessarily an oxymoron. Chris Walden proves that in this album, a surprisingly versatile primer of the big band. Walden can use traditional techniques, with a soloist over the top of a soft backing of horns, as you'll hear in the Christopher Cross-penned "Rainy Day in Vancouver," as well as his own Film Noir series. He can invoke the spirit of Tadd Dameron's bop big bands, which you'll... read more
Amit Friedman - Sunrise
by Chris Spector, Midwest Record
As the world continues to get smaller, we come to the talents of one of the hardest working jazzbo/sax men in Israel. Leading a talk show band, playing with everyone and working hard to make his sextet's debut make an impact, Friedman keeps making moves to sharpen his chops and make his present felt. With kind of an underlying Paul Winter vibe to his impressionistic compositions, Friedman is another of the new breed of players to put the music... read more
Affinity Trio - New Outlook
by Tom Haugen, Take Effect
The Milwaukee outfit consisting of Eric Jacobson, Pamela York and Clay Schaub, as Affinity Trio they deliver 6 covers and 3 originals of swingin' jazz fun.
The upbeat mood of "Onward" starts with Jacobson's rich trumpet alongside Schaub's bouncy bass and York's fluid keys, and 'On The Sunny Side Of The Street" follows with a soulful version of the classic that's quite warm.
In the middle, the swift "Bittersweet", by Sam Jones, allows... 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