Browse some recent Origin Reviews.
George Colligan - The Endless Mysteries
by Martin Z. Kasdan Jr., Louisville Music News
Pianist George Colligan's trio mates are probably more recognized than he, but they are not just on board for star value; Jack DeJohnette and Larry Grenadier add to the leader's sometimes challenging work. Colligan's liner notes refer to having played in DeJohnette's band, and the musical empathy is apparent from the beginning; if he hadn't mentioned only one prior playing experience with Grenadier, one wouldn't have known it from... read more
Sarah Partridge - Bright Lights and Promises: Redefining Janis Ian
by Chris Spector, Midwest Record
If Partridge wasn't the art chick with loads extra, we'd have to be scratching our heads wondering why a jazz tribute to Janis Ian. Well, Partridge brings in Allen Farnham to help with the music and brings in Ian herself to co-write some new ones. Take that homage makers! Long after you've taken Ian for granted, this revival does more than pump air into her lungs. Making music and taking risks? What a concept. Turn your ears Partridge's... read more
Scenes - Along the Way
by John Kelman, All About Jazz
It's easier to impress listeners with virtuosity than subtlety and nuance, but thankfully there are those who take the road less traveled. Along the Way, the second release by Scenes, is the result of three musicians being comfortable in their own skins and having nothing to prove. The vibe may be relaxed and the delivery spacious, but this music proves that one should never mistake comfort for complacency.
Guitarist John Stowell has had a... read more
Eric Jacobson - Discover
by Tom Haugen, Take Effect
The trumpet extraordinaire Eric Jacobson is in the company of Geof Bradfield (tenor sax), Bruce Barth (piano), Dennis Carroll (bass) and George Fludas (drums) for these 8 harmonic, rhythmic and meticulous jazz songs.
"New Combinations" starts the listen with a frisky pace of warm brass, energetic drums and timeless jazz sensibilities that we could never tire of, and "Discover" follows with a soulful quality that emits much beauty amid the... read more
Jim Knapp & Scrape - Approaching Vyones
by C. Michael Bailey, All About Jazz
Twenty-first Century Orchestral Music. For a string orchestra named Scrape, this music is quite well behaved and well- integrated. Approaching Vyones is composed of ten short pieces, each independent of the other, yet melding well as a whole. Guitarist Bill Frisell contributes one piece, "Naomi" to the collection, while the remainder of the selections are Jim Knapp compositions. Traces of Barber and Piston can be heard among the... read more
Charlie Ballantine - East by Midwest
by Robert Silverstein, Roots Music Report
5-STARS Seattle-based Origin Records will blow the minds of electric guitar fans with their 2025 CD release of East By Midwest by recording artist and composer Charlie Ballantine. The nine-track, 40 minute album sounds quite scintillating in spaces and the guitarist does his best with effective backing by Quinn Sternberg (bass) and Dan Weiss (drums). With the artist having already released a number of albums under his name,... read more
Lynn Bush with New Stories - Still Life
by Steve Sando, Mr. Lucky
Lynn Bush turns out to be "the girl with something extra" on her new Origin release, Still Life (Origin 82394). A smart trio, a smart repertoire and a smart singer all add up to a smart... read more
Alison Ruble - Ashland
by Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
Vocalist Alison Ruble's second CD for Origin is much like her first effort, a mix of standards and pop with embellishments of folk and rock, with arrangements again by guitarist John McLean. Gifted with a warm alto voice, Ruble starts off with an intriguing take of "The Summer Knows" (remembered by many as Michel Legrand's haunting theme written for the early 1970s film "Summer of '42") that has a rich backdrop of acoustic guitar, alto flute,... read more
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