Browse some recent Origin Reviews.
Ben Thomas - Triskaidekaphobia
by Adam Greenburg, All Music Guide
An intriguing third release from vibraphonist Ben Thomas, Triskaidekphobia is rather exploratory, bouncing from tone to tone, but performing all with an inventive vibe-clarinet format, more to the combos of Bobby Hutcherson and Eric Dolphy than those of Benny Goodman and Lionel Hampton perhaps (more forward-oriented at any rate), but really not even within that vein. Here, the band takes on straightforward bop, post-bop, Brazilian idioms, and a... read more
Jack Perla - Enormous Changes
by Rotcod Zzaj, Improvijazzation Nation
The fourteen all-original tunes from Jack prove beyond all shadow of doubt that he is far more than "just a piano player from San Francisco"... tunes like the splendid high-energy opening title track, "Enormous Changes", feature some excellent jazz vocal work, and propel you into lovely spaces that are reminiscent of shows like "Hair" (for this old reviewer, at least). What really sets Perla apart from all the other jazzers is his diversity...... read more
Greg Yasinitsky - YAZZ Band: New Normal
by Lance Liddle, Bebop Spoken Here
Back in 2018 I was impressed by Yasinitsky's recording - Yazz Band - in fact it was one of my Big Band CDs of the Year. After first listen, this one could also be in with a shout although, despite there being 16 names listed, it is actually a collective grouping with the various units ranging from 7 - 9 pieces and, truth to tell, due to the pandemic some weren't even there at all but recorded their part at home which, in some cases was Los... read more
Mike Pope - The Parts You Keep
by Tom Haugen, Take Effect
The bassist, composer and engineer Mike Pope has enjoyed a 30+ year career, and here we're treated to originals and covers with an excellent band plus strings.
"Misgivings" opens the 9 track listen with Geoffrey Keezer's firm keys that suit Pope's playful bass and Nate Smith's fluid drums, and "Steeplechase" follows with Roxy Cross' animated sax prowess adding much to the frisky energy of the Charlie Parker tune.
Entering the middle,... read more
George Colligan - The Endless Mysteries
by Linda Yohn, WEMU
Piano-bass-drums. How often have you heard a WEMU host repeat that instrumental combination? More than you can count. Yet, this trio format remains a source of endless variation and fascination. A prime example of the possibilities is the new CD The Endless Mysteries by pianist George Colligan.
You have heard WEMU hosts repeat Colligan's name for twenty years. We discovered him in 1993 as the pianist for saxophonist Ron Holloway. His debut... read more
Alex Graham - The Good Life
by Tristan Smith, Jazz Review
In one word: Impressive. Alex Graham's The Good Life showcases not only his ability as a reedman but as an improviser, composer and arranger. Backed by a veteran New York rhythm section, Graham shows hints of Dexter Gordon and Horace Silver throughout the six compositions. Additionally, Graham's talents are furthered by the inclusion of two original tunes thrown in with four created by other artists.
While Graham is an alto saxophonist by... read more
Brad Goode - Polytonal Dance Party
by John Frederick Moore, Jazziz
Trumpeter Brad Goode pulls a neat trick with this disc. He's taken a deliberately difficult approach to composing and arranging, then makes it sound fun rather than academic or pretentious. These 11 tracks contain enough polytonal harmonies to make a modernist-classical composer proud, but as the title suggests, you can danced to the music, as well.
Goode's method is most noticeable in his covers, especially on the '70s soul classic "Betcha... read more
David Weiss Sextet - Auteur
by Dee Dee McNeil, Making a Scene
An "Auteur" is a filmmaker who exhibits so much influence and artistic control over a movie that the filmmaker is regarded as the author of the movie. In this case, "Auteur" reflects the David Weiss artistic vision, as a bandleader, a trumpeter and composer. There are three key elements of an 'Auteur.' One is technical competence, two is distinguishable personality, and the most important principle is interior meaning; the intangible seat of... read more
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