This is a very artsy jazz project. First, the cover of this album is stunning and painted by John Gunther's talented mother, Judy Gunther. All the music is composed by John Gunther and enhanced by Dawn Clement, whose vocal additions are both unique and beautiful. She is also the creative pianist of this trio, adding electronics. Dru Heller is the timekeeper on both drums and cymbals. You can hear their direction and uniqueness on the very... read more
Stan Getz is tenor saxophonist Mark Colby's stylistic model, and on previous recordings his debt to Getz has been obvious. It's not a bad model - everyone doesn't have to sound like Coltrane - especially when you, like Colby, have a strong lyrical bent and can inhabit a ballad like Johnny Mandel's "Close Enough for Love" or Cole Porter's "So in Love" as convincingly as Colby does here. But he also tries to change things up a bit, so the... read more
Relaxed, long-legged piano trio music of high achievement. 4-1/2 STARS
If there is a criticism to be leveled at this lovely music, it is that it proceeds at such a leisurely, unhurried pace as to lull the unwary listener into complacency. But hold on. Why not just juice up one's listening acumen? Wouldn't that solve the problem? Yes, but not everyone will either have the capacity, inclination, or patience to do... read more
The Storms/Nocturnes trio, which was celebrating the release of its new CD, VIA on Origin Records, is composed of the "3000 Mile Club" (the distances between their respective domiciles) of jazz pianist, Geoffrey Keezer (San Diego), vibist, Joe Locke (New York City) and multi-reedist, Tim Garland (Whitley Bay), who make up a completely equal triumvirate of contributors to this most egalitarian of groups.
The ten original compositions... read more
The label writes the following lines about the album: "Forceful and mystic, with a beauty and intensity that reminded him of his first hearings of Miles, Mingus, or Monk, Belgian bassist & composer Piet Verbist was pulled into his deep study of Flamenco culture several years ago through a grant from the Royal Conservatory of Antwerp. After a dozen immersive trips to Andalusia to study, perform, and develop a repertoire, Piet presented concerts... read more
A new release from the Deep Blue Organ Trio is always cause for celebration, and their new Origin Records release is no exception. The Deep Blue Organ Trio (DBOT) is much more than the typical Hammond organ trio - guitar, organ and drums - in that they have the Hammond groove down pat as one would expect with a group of their longevity (performing under their name since around 2000), but they go way beyond the usual Hammond trio repertoire. The... read more
4-STARS Unlike some drummer-led albums, wherein it is hard to determine who is actually piloting the ship, there are no doubts about who is in charge on Live at the Poster Museum—and that would be none other than Robby Ameen whose sharp and forceful timekeeping enlivens the heart and soul of every number, lending them a sizable measure of their exuberance and swagger.
That is especially meaningful considering that Ameen is traveling... read more
Over a period of years, you may have spotted the name Kim Richmond in the personnel of many a big band. Now the alto maven presents a sextet that plays with gusto on "You Don't Know What Love Is," "Invitation," "Never Let Me Go," "The Peacocks" and a few cheeky originals. Richmond can be mellow one moment, strident the next. But his players will hold your... read more
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.
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