Storm Walking Singing is the type of recording I would have expected Winter & Winter or ECM to release. Very specialized and focused and defying genre (jazz or classical), Jonas Tauber's latest release is an interesting exploration, and as such a bit of an acquired taste. That it why it is so wonderful that Seattle-based Origin Records is emerging as an American foil to the two great German labels.
Tauber, a virtuoso cellist and bassist,... read more
A spark plug in several big bands of long standing, the bone man really fans the flames when he kicks it out on his star turns with his own crews. Opening this proceeding with an original 10 minute tour de force, Patterson brings it hot and heavy making his mark and tattooing your ears. A really fierce cat that ain't afraid to use his claws. Hot stuff... read more
The bass ace takes kind of a busman's holiday by digging into jazz and rock chestnuts he likes and wants to leave his imprint on in the company of fine company. A first class jazz listening date, this is the perfect companion for when you want to sit back and take it all in.... read more
2016 TOP 10 Composer/arranger Anthony Branker doesn't play on his own pieces; like Maria Schneider, he's got people for that. But where Schneider literally needs an army to paint her pastoral pictures, Branker employs an uber-tight quintet of notorious killers to conjure music that soothes your soul one moment, then goes for your throat the next - on the same tune! The front line of saxman Ralph Bowen, guitarist Pete McCann and pianist... read more
Any list of promising young trombonists has got to include Nick Finzer at or near the top. In "The Chase" (Origin Records 82693), his second album as leader, Finzer brings along the best and the brightest: Pianist Glenn Zaleski, Saxman Lucas Pino, guitarist Alex Wintz, Dave Baron on bass and Jimmy Macbride on drums. From the very first track, these guys smoke.
That first track is "Life Happens." Glenn Zaleski starts the album with Finzer and... read more
Nice and easy soul jazz in world view of Grover Washington Jr is laid out by Marc Seales, playing piano and keyboards and featuring the warm tenor sax of Ernie Watts alongside Bruce Lett/b and Moyes Lucas, Jr/dr. Seales goes does as easy as 25 year old Scottish Whiskey as he plays the keyboards on the dreamy "Rue Cler" and veers around Let on the stylish "Ascending Truth". He gives a nice piano workout on the rich aria of "Prelude" and is cool... read more
Origin Suite is a swinging, grooving big band disc with drummer, vibraphonist, and composer Michael Waldrop adding thoughtful support under some fine frontline solos. Waldrop works out over the Latin flavors of "Origin Suite: 3) Al Final de la Noche" with sensitivity and wonderfully controlled snare and tom interplay.... read more
4-STARS Clarence Penn is one of the most dynamic jazz drummers in the world. But that's not all: Thanks to his versatility and professionalism, he has led numerous bands in the past, composed music for films and commercials, and produced songs for a variety of pop and jazz musicians. His career began in New York in 1991. He toured with greats such as Betty Carter, Wynton Marsalis, Jacky Terrasson, Dizzy Gillespie, Dianne Reeves and Mike... 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