For his second outing for the Origin label, leader/percussionist Steve Korn has made some significant changes. First and foremost, he has added a Hammond B3 organ to the instrumental mix, eliminating the need for the bass. He has also added another sax, dropping the trumpet. All of this results in a richer, fuller sound than on his initial release. But the basic underpinnings remain, playing modern-influenced music but in such a way so as not to... read more
Jazz vocalist Laurie Antonioli seems perfectly matched with the piano subtleties of Richie Beirach in their album Varuna (Origin 82698). Laurie has a superbly vibrant vocal instrument that she puts to beautiful use on this set. Phrasing, tone, pitch control and artistry are out front in the best ways here. Richie Beirach has not been in my ears much in later days (and I have no idea if he has made himself relatively scarce or I have simply... read more
Of their second recording, Along The Way (Origin, 2006), guitarist and All About Jazz contributor John Kelman said, "There's an airy, ECM-like feel to much of the album... more in its aesthetic than any direct stylistic reference." That immediately frames the music of guitarist John Stowell, bassist Jeff Johnson and drummer John Bishop, giving it a definition and location. The "ECM sound" at once defies accurate definition while... read more
Young drummer who immediately scored successes from his teenage years, but whose debut
with his group was shelved for inexplicable reasons. That, in a nutshell, is the story behind this
unreleased recording. However, a number of big names contributed to this. Among them Randy
Brecker, Rosemary Clooney and the popular rock singer Genya Ravan (Goldie and The
Gingerbreads) at the time.
Ten songs that are all jukebox material. We hear a spicy... read more
4-STARS The singer Karrin Allyson, who comes from Kansas, is dedicated to Brazilian music. "A Kiss for Brasil" is already the third album dedicated to these rhythms. This time, Allyson has brought the celebrated singer, guitarist and songwriter Rosa Passos to her side as a special guest. Passos contributes two songs to the album: "O Grande Amor" and "Month of March in Salvador (Dunas)". Victor Goncalves on piano and accordion and Rafael... read more
West Coast pianist Clay Giberson's initial offering from the Origin label vividly recalls the seminal trio of Bill Evans, Scott LaFaro, and Paul Motian by the introspective manner in which it presents the music. Like Evans, Giberson's touch is well modulated, revealing an impressive lyrical demeanor. The nine compositions on the program all come from Giberson's pen. They are delicate, gentle, and, most of all, melodic but still distinctive.... read more
THE MAN BEHIND THE CURTAIN:
Composer Chris Walden never wanted to be a star, but with No Bounds he may have no choice
When Chris Walden was growing up in Germany, his mother, a choir singer, would often rehearse at home. Thus, musicians were always around. And where there are musicians, there are instruments. That is where the future Grammy-nominated composer, ar-ranger and performer first laid eyes on his future. The natural reaction in... read more
We needn't consider jazz as only a product of the Ease and West Coasts. The American interior also provides its share of splendid jazz music and musicians. An example is tenor saxophonist Jordan VanHemert. Born in Cheongju, South Korea and raised in Holland, Michigan, VanHemert took up alto saxophone at 11, eventually gravitating to the tenor saxophone in high school. Following a degree in music from Central Michigan University and graduate... 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