Browse some recent Origin Reviews.
EEA - The Dark
by Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
EEA are a trio of jazz faculty members at the University of Nevada, Reno, consisting of saxophonist Peter Epstein, trumpeter Larry Engstrom, and pianist David Ake. The lack of additional rhythm instruments gives the players both plenty of freedom and responsibility, which they handle well. The trio's three group improvisations stand out with potent interplay, with the first sounding as if it could be used as a film soundtrack. Ake composed six... read more
Bridge Quartet - Day
by Adam Greenberg, All Music Guide
Stemming from a missed gig and a somewhat hurried recording session following, Day introduces the Bridge Quartet, a collection of jazzers from Portland (and nearby) in their first collaboration. Particularly given their short history as a quartet, the sound is incredible. Phil Dwyer's sax keeps a solid tone, at home in a smoky nightclub, and takes hints from some of the greats but forges an identity of its own rather than simply emulating those... read more
Mark Colby - Reflections
by Michael Jackson, Downbeat, June '09
Any jazzman who sees fit to record "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" is clearly of a romantic persuasion. But this track, though a nice trio feature, is less arresting than Chicago tenor saxophonist Mark Colby's own "Reflections." The title track alludes to David Raksin's "Laura," and elsewhere there are sprinklings culled from jazzlore of yore. "Myth Mary's Blues" suggests a conflation of Sonny Rollins' "Tenor Madness" and "Blue... read more
David Friesen Circle 3 Trio - Triple Exposure
by Ric Bang, Jazz Scan
I sometimes wonder what it must have been like, to be present at a concert given by one of the true masters. Well, I've never been lucky enough to catch bassist David Friesen in person, but - thanks to the magic of albums - I can listen to him any time I so desire. Anyone similarly lucky is blessed.
Friesen, now 74 years old, got his start with the ukulele at age 10; he graduated to the guitar six years later. At that point he was 19, during... read more
Toby Koenigsberg - Sense
by Jim Santella, Cadence, December 2006
Sense features the Toby Koenigsberg Trio in a modern mainstream program that includes original works as well as those of pioneers such as Bud Powell and Bill Evans. Based in Oregon, and working cohesively as old friends will do, the trio offers creative forays into Jazz's core. Two brief interpretations of "Stella By Starlight" serve to demonstrate the unique approach that the pianist and his trio apply to their work. Nothing is straightforward.... read more
Jessica Williams - Songs of Earth
by Ken Dryden, All Music
Jessica Williams has built a following with her introspective style of solo piano. Songs of Earth compiles performances from several years of her appearances at The Triple Door in Seattle, most of which were improvised on the spot. "Deayrhu" (a title she admits that she can't explain) is a fluid, shimmering work with several dramatic shifts. The bittersweet undercurrent of "Poem" (a written composition) is ever present, supported by its pacing... read more
Ark Ovrutski - Intersection
by Thomas Conrad, JazzTimes
Intersection is an unusual combination of personalities. Ark Ovrutski, originally from the Ukraine, is a bassist given to dark, heavy, solemn solos. But he likes to surround himself with light-footed Brazilians (pianist Helio Alves, drummer Duduka Da Fonseca) and American speed demons (trombonist Michael Dease, saxophonist Michael Thomas). The net effect is exemplified by the opening track, "Waltz for Debby." Bill Evans' tune is one... read more
Jay Thomas with the Oliver Groenewald Newnet - I Always Knew
by Tara Peters, Earshot Jazz
Like stones polished by the sea, some ideas take time to wash ashore. The thought of a ballads project had been riding the waves of Jay Thomas' brain for years. A melodic and introspective multi-instrumentalist, Thomas has always been drawn to the great balladeers of jazz. It wasn't until collaborating with fellow trumpeter and arranger, Oliver Groenewald, that the idea caught its break. I Always Knew is the glistening gem—a dazzling collage... read more
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