Many talented jazz musicians are hidden from the jazz audience because they are full-time teachers in various colleges around the country, instead of gigging frequently in large metropolitan centers and making regular visits to the recording studio. Trombonist Dave Glenn is hardly new to the scene, as he spent a decade with the Gerry Mulligan Concert Jazz Band, recording and performing with the baritonist and others before becoming director of... read more
In his sixth album, his first for Origin, Montreal tenor saxophonist Joel Miller again makes music that melds intricacy and accessibility. This time out, he is aided greatly by pianist Geoffrey Keezer, asJoel Miller Swim virtuosic as Miller in bringing relaxation to the complex lines in many of the leader's compositions. The young veteran bassist Fraser Hollins and drummer Greg Ritchie provide Miller and Keezer strength and flexibility... read more
The percussionist shows there's more that you can do with rhythm than provide heat for the feet. Kind of a world jazz based set that takes you well off the beaten path, if things like marimba, kalimba and such are familiar to you, this often trancy set with tickle your fancy in a nice way. Step into his chamber and feel the... read more
Chicagoan Maddie Vogler has put together an impressive project with her new album, While We Have Time. Having recently graduated from the University of Illinois, she put together this debut album with a sextet featuring Tito Carrillo on trumpet, Matt Gold on guitar, Jake Shapiro on piano, Samuel Peters on bass and Neil Hemphill on drums. The leadoff track, "The Need to Be" is a fantastic song and arrangement that sounds like a slice of late 60's... read more
Joe Locke and Geoffrey Keezer: Live and Lush in Seattle
Two giants of modern mainstream jazz joined forces last fall at the Ballard Jazz Festival in Seattle, and the result was golden. Not only did this elegant quartet win an Earshot Golden Ear Award as the Northwest Concert of the Year for 2005, the music was recorded and released this month as the Joe Locke/Geoffrey Keezer Group, Live in Seattle (Origin Records). Now the 21st century has... read more
4 STARS
Michael Dease, widely admired as one of the world's foremost jazz trombonists but rather less-known as an educator, dons his professorial garb on Spartan Strong, supervising a splendid session by a special corps of undergrads (and students in his trombone studio) who together comprise the MSU (Michigan State University) Jazz Trombones, twenty-three members in all when one counts Dease and the group's half-dozen bass... read more
From the Portland-based Upper Left Trio comes Cycling, a worthwhile debut album. The trio consists of the most basic lineup, with Clay Giberson on piano, Charlie Doggett on drums, and college music professor Jeff Leonard on bass. The sound covers the regions of contemporary jazz and some mainstream jazz sounds, equally fit for jazz radio and smooth jazz radio. It's a relatively light affair, with the compositions all being originals from the... read more
Jazz CD of the Month. In the last ten years a number of jazz artists have released recordings that attempt to fuse jazz and country music; these efforts have yielded results of varying success. Guitarist Corey Christiansen's latest effort is without doubt an exception. Lone Prairie captures the mood of classic country and puts into a jazz context. Wonderfully executed, the date features Christiansen's impeccable chops and the... 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