Browse some recent Origin Reviews.
Dan McCarthy - City Abstract
by Chris Spector, Midwest Record
Call me insular, but I've never thought Carla Bley got the respect and recognition she really deserved. As long as I'm complaining, I've never thought vibe fans have gotten the love they deserve. Here's one record that rights many wrongs. Inspired by classic Bley/Gary Burton collaborations and loaded with stunning vibe playing throughout, McCarthy comes home to Canada, rounds up some jazzbos that you are sure to be hearing from and tips the cap... read more
RadioAction - Hi-Fi
by John Barrett, Jr., All About Jazz
The drums pound home, and it begins. The title is modern ("Explosion"), the sound is vintage: an early ‘Sixites groove you find on Blue Note. Alex Graham holds the alto, and gives it the high piercing sound from the old days (he doesn’t sound "like" anybody, but that tone is there.) He takes little phrases and spins them around, staying in the high end. He leaves off in a sliding line recalling the theme; the piano takes over.... read more
Bill Anschell - Improbable Solutions
by George W Harris, Jazz Weekly
Playing piano and electronics, Bill Anschell brings together a team of Chris Symer/b-eb, Jose Martinez-KJ Sawka/dr, Brian Monroney/g, and Jeff Busch/perc for some exciting originals that veer from progressive rock to hip fusion. There are hints of Weather Report with the melding of electronics, acoustic piano and deep pulses as on pieces like "Ambulator" and the galloping "Is This Thing Even On" featuring some hip electric bass introduction.... read more
Les DeMerle - Gypsy Rendezvous, Vol. 1
by David Franklin, Cadence
Drummer Les DeMerle's long career has included playingwith Harry James for a dozen years, fronting his own Fusiongroup for a time, and more recently leading various straight-ahead VOL. 1 ensembles. Gypsy Pacific, comprising violin, two guitars, and bass, is a unique Jazz band based in Maui, Hawaii. DeMerle happened tohear the quartet in a club there and one thing led to another. Many of the tracks do suggest the famous duo of violinist Stephane... read more
Chris Walden Big Band - Full-On!
by Paula Edelstein, AXS
When Chris Walden is not busy creating orchestral settings for major pop stars like Stevie Wonder, Neil Young, Michael Buble, Smokey Robinson or Diana Krall, the prolific composer/arranger/conductor focuses on his first love, swinging big band jazz music. With Full-On!, (Origin, 82669), Walden's fifth recording as a leader, the Los Angeles-based multiple award-winning virtuoso presents an irrepressibly swing outing that showcases 5 new... read more
Bongwool Lee - My Singing Fingers
by Dan McClenaghan, All About Jazz
The music of pianist Bongwool Lee has a hopeful feeling. The Korean-born and now New York-based artist drew her first jazz inspiration - after classical studies in her homeland - from the work of Oscar Peterson, who sent much musical time walking on the sunny side of the street. But where Peterson rolled mostly in the jazz standards/Great American Songbook realm, Lee presents, on her debut recording, My Singing Fingers, a set of compelling... read more
Dana Hall - Into the Light
by Martin Z. Kasdan Jr, Louisville Music News.net
With a lineup this strong, drummer/composer Hall has made a very impressive debut. This ensemble has been together for some three years, and the empathetic give-and-take provides another example of how musical strength can be nurtured through playing together regularly. All but three of the nine songs are by Hall. The disc's opening number, "I Have a Dream," however, is by Herbie Hancock, and the band conjures up a Mwandishi brew. As the CD... read more
Ira Sullivan & Stu Katz - A Family Affair - Live at Joe Segal's Jazz Showcase
by Dan Healy, Chicago Jazz Magazine
Sonny Rollins once called himself a ?survivor of jazz?s illustrious period.? Such is the case with Ira Sullivan and Stu Katz, who are both forged in the style of bebop?s halcyon days. Unlike young lions, who transcribe the records of Charlie Parker and Miles Davis, Sullivan and Katz rubbed elbows with Jackie McLean, Milt Jackson, Art Blakey, Sonny Stitt, and Red Rodney. The richness of their bebop language is evidence of these associations.... 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