Browse some recent Origin Reviews.
Hal Galper - Live at the Berlin Philharmonic, 1977
by Raul da Gama, JazzdaGama
There can hardly be a better occasion to celebrate the unfettered energy of "live" music than this 1977 performance of the Hal Galper Quintet. In fact, it would never be hyperbolic to suggest that it stands out as one of the greatest "live" performances by a group of musicians...ever. It is dark - beautifully so - and the music takes you to another world altogether. It is a world full of mysterious depths, expectations, doubts, and hopes. It... read more
Bill Anschell - Shifting Standards
by Paul Rauch, All About Jazz
Seattle based pianist Bill Anschell has created a tremendous body of work over the the past 30 years, as a composer, musical director, and pianist. He returned to Seattle in 2002 after 25 years abroad and formed a relationship with Origin Records, releasing more than a dozen records both as a leader and co-leader. Whether composing and performing original pieces, or interpreting standards ranging from Cole Porter to Lennon/McCartney, Anschell... read more
Rodney Whitaker - Common Ground: The Music of Gregg Hill
by Tomas Peña, JazzDeLaPena
Bass player Rodney Whitaker moves in the highest circles of the jazz world. But when he meets a self-taught artist, his ears perk up. "They'll say 'you don't want to listen to me, I'm not trained.'" Whitaker says. "But I do. People who have figured things out themselves really know something." So when Whitaker met Gregg Hill, a self-taught jazz composer, he was ready to listen.
Whitaker has worked with the likes of Wynton Marsalis and Roy... read more
Greta Matassa - Favorites From A Long Walk
by Adam Greenburg, All Music Guide
A nice album of relatively unknown songs originally done by the great female vocalists of yesteryear. Matassa has a nice way with the music, alternately whispering softly and belting out cadences as the compositions require. Matassa doesn't quite mimic the classic singers, but she does have hints of their styles slyly embedded in her delivery. Ella comes out just a bit when she starts to scat. Carmen McRae comes through a bit on a Jobim number.... read more
Anthony Branker & Ascent - Dance Music
by Jennifer Odell, Downbeat Magazine
★★★ � On his third Ascent project, Princeton University educator Anthony Branker challenges preconceptions that a composer's erudition might impinge upon accessibility. From the humming bird-paced piano and horn vamp that opens the rousing "The House Of Brotherhood Of The Black Heads" to Tia Fuller's blistering solo on "The Renewal," Branker inspires buoyant, animated performances from his sextet. Bassist Kenny Davis and... read more
Hal Galper Trio - Invitation to Openness
by George W Harris, Jazz Weekly
Veteran pianist Hal Galper is teamed with like minded mates Billy Mintz/dr and Tony Marino/b for a 2008 "live in studio" session. Galper's touch is classy on his intro to a glowing "Embraceable You" that has the bassist pop the clutch and change gears to turn into a romp, while the leader keeps the current steady for is opening for the flavorful "Ambleside". Mintz rides the whip for the leader's blue ivories on "Winter Heart" and is playful and... read more
Aaron Germain - Chance
by , Jazziz
Veteran Portland Bassist and composer David Friesen is a vital part of the Pacific Northwest jazz scene, and has recorded with the disparate likes of Stan Getz and Sam Rivers, Woody Shaw and Mal Waldron. Now, at age 72, he's released a two-disc set of original music, captured live with his Circle 3 Trio in performances in Oregon and Arizona, and in a studio session in Germany. Where the Light Falls, as its title suggests, presents a... read more
Paul Ricci - The Path
by Editor, Bman's Blues Report
I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, The Path, by Paul Ricci and it's an interesting blend of contemporary and world jazz. Opening with "Major Look," Steve Jordan on drums, Manolo Badrena on percussion and Anthony Jackson on contrabass guitar, set a funky rhythm and Paul Ricci lays down a smooth melody, contrasted by Michael Wolff on electric piano. Electrifying opener. "Lobo" is particularly enticing, featuring... read more
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