Kansas City-rooted quintet formed around the tenor of Matt Otto performs a set of nine originals with heart. Four of the tunes are presented as a tenor - bass - drums trio (the leader plus Jeff Harshbarger and John Kizilarmut) begging positive comparison to Sonny Rollins landmark recordings from the 50s and 60s as Otto mines the spare format for maximum emotion. Not to take anything away from the other tunes and the other players, but... read more
Although Bobby Broom has been a mainstay as one of the great modern guitarists in the Chicago scene for many years, he pays tribute to his upbringing in Harlem with his new disc, Upper West Side Story. The recording is Broom?s first that features all original compositions, as performed by some of the finest modern musicians in Chicago, including Dennis Carroll on bass, as well as Kobie Watkins and Makaya McCraven alternating on... read more
Luminosity is when acrylic colors retain their freshness. Luminosity by the Florian Hoefner Group on Origin Records does just that as well, for it is here that the German-born pianist Hoefner, on his third all-original quartet CD, puts the Masters Degree he earned at the Manhattan School of Music to good use.
Hoefner, 33, must be as intense as his music. He composed all eight tracks while in solitude on and off the beautiful beaches of St.... read more
4-STARS The debut album by Seattle-based guitarist Martin Budde is a great success. On the one hand, he has internalized the entire history of jazz guitar, but on the other hand, he has also processed his earlier influences from country and folk music. He has integrated his long-time colleagues from the jazz sextet "Meridian Odyssey", bassist Ben Feldman and drummer Xavier Lecouturier, into his trio. With the exception of the Joni... 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 Kim Richmond Ensemble takes chances when performing in a concert hall or club, as much as in the studio. The music is exciting
either way. Recorded in concert with a small audience watching, these sessions provide deep insight into the small band through which
saxophonist Richmond has his say. John Daversa and Joey Sellers give the leader a combination of technical mastery and Avant-Garde expression that merges seamlessly with his... read more
In his sophomore album, Quiet Silence, drummer Matt Jorgensen shows off an incredible hand at both composing and arranging, as he moves effortlessly through piece after piece mixing the old and the new with his band 451, a collection of busy Seattle players. In what's perhaps been the most notable shift on the album, Marc Seales' usual piano is replaced by a nice Fender Rhodes, which works out surprisingly well under his fingers, as can be noted... read more
It's easy to classify a jazz performer as a journeyman when he/she isn't well-known, doesn't have a slew of CDs, awards, or other accouterments of fame. Perhaps that's OK now and then, but not in the case of Marius Nordal. Working out of the jazz-rich Northwest U.S., he has carved himself a niche by working gigs, doing big band arrangements, teaching, and, in all cases, being a consummate master of the keys. On his initial album for the Origin... 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