Browse some recent Origin Reviews.
Marc Bernstein & Good People - Hymn For Life
by Chris Spector, Midwest Record
There's quite a bit of subtle mix mastering here as the New York sax man relocates to Denmark, brings old pal, Bob Moses, in for the session, has a former student of his drafted into being the crew's vocalist and finally rounding out the gang with some well skilled locals we aren't familiar with. Bernstein has developed his sense of Euro jazz but still hasn't left his left leaning Big Apple skronk behind. Tailored for those who like it left... read more
Michael Waldrop Big Band - Time Within Itself
by George W. Harris, Jazz Weekly
Drummer Michael Waldrop leads a hefty 17 piece band along with a handful of guests on this rich collection of originals. The moods mix from a fusion " Tunnell Vision which features Jim Tunnell's electric guitar to full and glowing harmonies which feature Walddrop on vibes for "Inner Truth." A clever military march includes Sandra Dudley's vocals and Tim Ishii's alto on "Her Moon Rises East" and some Bill Evans Trio inspired piano work is... read more
Eric Jacobson - Heading Home
by Tom Haugen, Take Effect
The trumpet extraordinaire Eric Jacobson is joined by an all star cast for these timeless and rich jazz selections.
"Survival" starts the listen with no lack of energy, where George Fludas' animated drums suit Jacobson's glowing trumpet, and "Three Of A Kind" follows with bit of intimacy, as Bruce Barth's mature keys align with soulful horns.
Halfway through, "My Love For Amy" is an intimate moment, as the stirring trumpet tugs on the... read more
Scott Burns - Passages
by Peter Margasak, Chicago Reader
It's hardly news that Chicago has a deep jazz community, and though a variety of specific scenes exist (free jazz, neo-trad, etc), players here tend to be distinguished by their versatility. But that often means that if a musician doesn't wear a particular hat, he or she can get overlooked. Case in point: tenor saxophonist Scott Burns. One of the most reliable horn players in town, Burns has been mentioned in these pages as a member of the... read more
Chad McCullough & Bram Weijters - Abstract Quantities
by Paul Abella, Music Lounge - WDCB, Chicago
Trumpeter Chad McCullough made a big splash in Chicago a few months back with the debut album from his group The Spin Quartet and his album In Circles. For Chad's next release, he works with Bram Weitjers, who gets co-billing, on Abstract Quantities. Don't let the name scare you; this is a beautifully done mainstream jazz CD. "Glorious Traffic Jam" is a nice place to start, but the all-original program is really nice throughout. I think... read more
Trio Linguae - Kevin Woods / John Stowell / Miles Black - Signals
by Frank Kohl, Cadence
A very pleasant surprise and joyful treat to hear this trio without bass and drums. Three of the most able-bodied, spontaneous communicators in Jazz converse through six originals and five covers. "Signals" begins with Kevin Wood's beautifully written "Few Regrets". A rubato opening with John Stowell's pristine nylon string melody statement leads to a strong chord progression intro. Kevin Woods takes over the melody and then takes the first... read more
Greta Matassa - Portrait
by Doug Ramsey, Rifftides
Greta Matassa has never stopped performing extensively or touring with her widely admired quintet, but it has been years since she has made a new recording. The singer's first album since 2011 is a reminder of the rare depth of her musicianship and her ability to fnd the essence of a song. The longtime colleagues with her on Portrait are veterans of the vital Pacific Northwest jazz community. Matassa selects thirteen songs that are among the... read more
Purna Loka Ensemble - Metaraga
by Rick Anderson, CD Hotlist
OK, this is really cool: Purnaprajna Bangere is a violinist who was raised in southern India and trained in the highly technical Parur style of Carnatic classical music. He is also a professor of mathematics and music at the University of Kansas. On this project he combines these two disciplines, creating a unique style of contemporary Indian classical music influenced by various Western genres and underpinned by mathematical structures of... 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