Browse some recent Origin Reviews.
Dave Glenn - National Pastime
by George Fendel, Jazz Society of Oregon
One month of watching 18 baseball games in six cities created the inspiration for Dave Glenn to write eight pieces for this sextet. The title tune depicts the feeling of anticipation on entering a stadium: the smell of beer and hot dogs, etc. Other tunes pay tribute to baseball heroes like Roberto Clemente or Hank Aaron, while still others express, as ABC used to say, the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. Dave Scott's trumpet and Rich... read more
Jessica Williams - Songs of Earth
by Britt Robson, JazzTimes
If there were a lifetime achievement award for Talent Deserving of Wider Recognition, this veteran West Coast pianist would have it in her criminally modest trophy case. Her sixth disc for the Origin label supposedly differs from the others for its heavy emphasis on spontaneous composition, with the material culled from live solo performances over the past few years at the Triple Door in Seattle, near her home. But just as Williams has... read more
Bobby Broom - Upper West Side Story
by Carol Banks Weber, Examiner.com
Bobby Broom is a name synonymous with visionary modern jazz music. Originally from New York City?s Upper West Side, the guitarist left his roots in 1984 for a different, Chicago vibe without missing the scene. He kept up with Sonny Rollins on tour, hooked up with Kenny Burrell & the Jazz Guitar Band, Dr. John, and Miles Davis, and became the face of modern guitar jazz.
?Every modern jazz guitarist in Chicago is indebted to Bobby Broom. He... read more
John McLean - Better Angels
by Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
Guitarist John McLean's Better Angels is certainly difficult to classify. Some pieces, such as "Ready for the War," come across as modern pop. Others are closer to the music of the Pat Metheny Group, while a few tunes are modernized swing standards including one of the strangest versions of "Airmail Special" one will ever hear. While there are some individual spots, the emphasis during most of the selections is on the haunting ensemble sound... read more
John Stowell - Resonance
by Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
This set of unaccompanied guitar solos was recorded informally by John Stowell over a one-year period whenever he would try out one of Luthier Mike Doolin's new custom-made guitars. All of the music is first takes and, after a period of time, Stowell realized that he had a fine CD suitable for release. In general, his versions of standards are upbeat while his originals are more introspective. Stowell's relaxed playing is always thoughtful and... read more
Kobie Watkins - Involved
by Larry Hollis, Cadence
As far as debut discs by relatively new artists these days, Kobie Watkins' Involved is way above the norm. For a sampling of the diversity of his percussive talent, it spans quite a large stylistic panorama and gives an introductory snapshot of his already expansive versatility. For those out there that haven't met him yet, Wathins first came to many music mavens' attention playing gigs with everyone from guitarist Bobby Broom to Sonny... read more
Rodney Whitaker - Mosaic: The Music of Gregg Hill
by Carmel de Soto, Jazz Music Archives
4-STARS Rodney Whitaker is a sought-after bassist extraordinaire and a pre-eminent jazz educator. On his latest project, "Mosaic: The Music of Gregg Hill" (Origin Records, 2025), Whitaker and his vibrant working band breathe life into Hill's idiosyncratic compositions, crafting an album brimming with fiery interplay, deep swing, and a forward-thinking sense of adventure.
From the outset, the title track, "Mosaic," draws listeners in... read more
Shawn Purcell - 180
by Thomas Houbron, Couleurs Jazz (Paris)
When Pat Martino, Peter Bernstein or Color Jazz Radio praise your work and your guitar playing, you must be one hell of a "Bad Cat"!
"I saw you on YouTube playing Mynabird Blues... you are SMOKING!!!!! Really great!!! Next time you come to New York, let's play some songs!!!" Peter Bernstein
Another guitarist that we wanted you to discover in the Best of Colors Jazz Week is Shawn Purcell, on the release of "180", his second album... read more
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