Browse some recent Origin Reviews.
Matt Otto - Red
by Kevin Cox, Jazz Review
Tenor saxophonist Matt Otto's latest release, Red, is an intriguing collection of 8 original compositions. Otto, now based in Los Angeles, is joined here by a trio of friends from his years on the New York scene. On this disc, Otto and his band have crafted a sound that is immediately enjoyable, and increasingly impressive with each subsequent listening. Mid-tempo grooves and pensive ballads, all of the songs share a certain haunting,... read more
John Stowell | Michael Zilber - Shot Through With Beauty
by Mike Joyce, JazzTimes
Fans of John Scofield's '90s recordings should find much to enjoy on 'Shot Through With Beauty,' and not merely because the album features a new quartet led by guitarist John Stowell and saxophonist Michael Zilber personalizing two sharply contrasting Scofield compositions, "Wahasb III" and "The Beatles." The former tune boasts an arrangement with twisting harmonized lines, guitar and sax solos that shrewdly bridge R&B swagger and post-bop... read more
Ben Thomas - Triskaidekaphobia
by Scott Herring, Percussive Notes
On his third recording as a leader, vibraphonist Ben Thomas is joined by Eric Likkel, clarinet, Laura Caviani, piano, Clipper Anderson, bass and John Bishop, drums. All compositions, except "The Hat of
the Bearded Lizzard," are by Thomas, yet there is sufficient variety of styles to hold the listener's interest. Thomas runs the gamut of styles from the Klezmer inspired "Daring to Find Meaning in Flight"
to the bright samba "Patrolling the... read more
Jordan VanHemert - Survival of the Fittest
by Gary Fukushima, All About Jazz (Album Liner Notes)
For most of his life, Jordan VanHemert has been on a quest of growth and mastery as a saxophonist, composer and musician. But equally important have been his efforts to contextualize some of the difficulties of his life experiences within the deeper themes of his DNA, discovering in the process resilience, optimism and joy. Jordan's music is meant to convey empathy and solidarity to others who have also faced challenges in their lives. This... read more
Giacomo Gates - Centerpiece
by Owen McNally, Hartford Courant
Giacomo Gates, jazz troubadour, worldly wise and grand master of scat and Vocalese, is one of the jazz world's finest living exemplars of true grit.
At best, the male jazz vocalist is an endangered species, particularly now when the terrific female singers dominate the slim marketplace for jazz.
As shown by the dozen bright tracks on this disc, nothing... not even the gross injustice of never getting his due� can dim the exuberance, skill... read more
John Gross / Billy Mintz - Beautiful You
by Tim Duroche, Willamette Week
Recorded live at the Tugboat Brewing Co., Beautiful You is a stunning document. Tenor saxophonist John Gross and New York-based drummer Billy Mintz-both veterans of the L.A. studios and big bands-are singular forces on their respective instruments. Truly a musician's musician, Gross is a coolly compelling player with an elevated sense of beauty and tension. From his opening notes on "Shmear"-reminiscent of Sonny Rollins' thematic stabs on "East... read more
Amit Friedman - Sunrise
by Dave Sumner, Bird is the Worm Best of 2012
Number Two:
Friedman's blend of Jazz and Middle-East music has had me enthusiastic all year long. An album that often soars, but doesn't forget to swing. This is the kind of joyful music that defines Jazz as something special. Many Jazz albums have a joyful sound, but rarely one as inspiring as Sunrise. It still hits me right square in the heart. I originally wrote that it was an album I wanted to shout from the rooftops and... read more
Emma Larsson - Sing To the Sky
by Christopher Loudon, JazzTimes
Listening to Emma Larsson, it's hard not to be reminded of the young Nancy Wilson. The Swedish-born, New York-based singer, now three albums into what promises to be an impressive career, mirrors Wilson's silken delivery and her sly interpretative sass. Yet beneath that elegant surface is a tiger ready to spring, a jazz-savvy adventuress worthy of Abbey Lincoln or Betty Carter. While her previous discs teamed her with a trio of top-drawer... read more
Looking for a specific review?
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.
Search Reviews:
Recently Added Reviews:
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