Browse some recent Origin Reviews.
Dave Slonaker Big Band - Convergency
by Richard J Salvucci, All About Jazz
In December 1910, Virginia Woolf once observed, human character changed and, along with it, so did everything else. Politics, society, religion, sex, all of it, she thought, would leave the ancien regime behind. And, to a point, she was correct. Within a few years, the old world was gone, swept away by war and revolution. It was not coming back. Ever.
Somehow, listening to the marvelous musical products of modern big bands, Woolf seems oddly... read more
Michael Dease - Found in Space: The Music of Gregg Hill
by Editor, The Jazz Page
Michael Dease's Found in Space: The Music of Gregg Hill is an impressive tribute to Hill's compositions, blending a rich mixture of jazz traditions with modern flair. Dease's trombone leads an extraordinary ensemble through a set of intricate pieces that playfully navigate between varying time signatures, showcasing both technical mastery and emotional depth. Each musician contributes uniquely, with standout performances from Rudresh Mahanthappa... read more
Marius Nordal - Notoriety
by Dave Nathan, All Music Guide
It's easy to classify a jazz performer as a journeyman when he/she isn't well-known, doesn't have a slew of CDs, awards, or other accouterments of fame. Perhaps that's OK now and then, but not in the case of Marius Nordal. Working out of the jazz-rich Northwest U.S., he has carved himself a niche by working gigs, doing big band arrangements, teaching, and, in all cases, being a consummate master of the keys. On his initial album for the Origin... read more
Kobie Watkins Grouptet - Movement
by Jeff Potter, Modern Drummer
A fiery sophomore release from a swinging force. Here's some heavy jazz cred: on his last tour (2012), tenor giant Sonny Rollins chose Kobie Watkins for the prestigious drum seat. That says it all, but in addition, the native Chicagoan drummer and educator also gigged with the likes of Kurt Elling, Branford Marsalis, Joe Lovano, and Arturo Sandoval. Growing up in the Windy City, Watkins played in the jazz, Latin, and gospel... read more
Cathy Segal-Garcia - SOCIAL ANTHEMS, VOLUME 1
by Tom Haugen, Take Effect
The Los Angeles vocalist Cathy Segal-Garcia brings us back to songs from the '60s and '70s here, where the strong lyrical content suits the many problems we are dealing with in today's society, and she's got Anthony Wilson, Josh Nelson, Lorca Hart, Edwin Livingston, Paul Jost and Mon David to help her on the aptly titled album.
"For What It's Worth", by Stephen Stills, starts the listen with soft piano and warm guitar as Segal-Garcia's... read more
George Colligan - The Endless Mysteries
by Travis Rogers, Jr., JazzTimes
This is one of those albums where you look at the line-up and know that you are in for something extraordinary. George Colligan has been enjoying an increasingly visible profile and continually takes giant leaps forward. This album sees him with Larry Granadier on bass and the incomparable Jack DeJohnette on drums.
George?s relationship with DeJohnette began years ago when George was subbing in a rehearsal session for him. The way George... read more
BOX - Ten Variations On An Unknown Theme
by Adam Greenburg, All Music Guide
A trio of Swiss jazzers here combine for a series of entirely improvisatory jazz built in theory around a theme. That said, the theme is also unknown. The goal is to make improvisatory music while creating a theme by way of its variations. By circling in from the outside, the core form will eventually become clear. The players all perform well on their respective instruments, in a basic piano trio (with an occasional outburst of bugle). The... read more
George Colligan - The Endless Mysteries
by Bobby Reed, DownBeat
Pianist and educator George Colligan's profile continues to rise. He may not be as well known in some circles as his outstanding trio partners on this project - bassist Larry Grenadier and Colligan's frequent employer, drummer Jack DeJohnette - but he certainly has the chops to hang with them. The Endless Mysteries, Colligan's 24th album as a leader, contains 10 original compositions, many of which the keyboardist developed while playing with... 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