Browse some recent Origin Reviews.
Ben Patterson Jazz Orchestra - Groove Junkies
by Michael van Gee, Jazz'N'More (Switzerland)
5-STARS "Big Bands Never Die" - this is the motto of this album with outstanding music. Ben Patterson has written and arranged great compositions that will make the heart of every big band fan beat faster. The album opens with the Chris Potter composition "Exclamation" with the 17-piece Jazz Orchestra in top form and a brilliant piano solo by Chris Ziemba. This is followed by a rather rocky number "Interesting Times", in which Ben... read more
Ben Thomas Tango Project - Eternal Aporia
by Georges Tonla Briquet, Jazz'halo (Belgium)
Multi-instrumentalist Ben Thomas in turn ventures into the "tango nuevo" and this only with his own compositions.
Jazz and tango or also the "tango nuevo" without a composition by Piazzolla on the set list? Ben Thomas does it on this 'Eternal Aporia'. It's a step-by-step story. He first made a name for himself as a vibraphonist and composer before being bitten by the dance bug and finally finding his way into the world of the bandoneon. He... read more
Clipper Anderson - Ballad of the Sad Young Men
by C. Michael Bailey, All About Jazz
Hidden in the basement of Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington is bassist/vocalist Clipper Anderson. Not ringing any bells? That's because he has been a sideman, buried behind the principals on upwards of 60 recordings while recording as leader on two previous releases: And to All a Goodnight (Origin Records, 2011) and The Road Home (Origin Records, 2012). Anderson follows up this latter recording with Ballad of the Sad Young Men,... read more
Jeff Johnson - Tall Stranger
by Adam Greenberg, All Music Guide
For his fourth album as a leader, bassist Jeff Johnson sets an exploratory course. On Tall Stranger, Johnson works with sax player Hans Teuber (with a bit of a free jazz bent of his own) and drummer Billy Mintz. The trio spends a lot of its time, however, seemingly working less as a trio and more as a collection of three independent players who happen to be in the same room. This isn't accidental, or an effect of the group not working well... read more
The Spin Quartet - In Circles
by Paul Abella, Chicago Jazz Magazine
There's not a lot to know about The Spin Quartet, or their album, In Circles. There's no liner notes, and to tell the truth, I don't know much about leader and trumpeter Chad McCullough. I know that Clark Sommers has appeared on a few of my favorite local discs from the last few years. I know that Kobie Watkins is a beast behind the drums, and everything I've ever heard from saxophonist Geof Bradfield has been excellent. So, we can be... read more
George Colligan & Theoretical Planets - Risky Notion
by Rotcod Zzaj, Improvijazzation Nation
Here's a new one (for us, anyway)... George (the pianist) leading his Theoretical Planets band on drums... two tenor saxophone (Nicole Glover and Joe Mantis, Jon Lakey on drums and Tony Glausi on trumpet (3,4,5)... as I listen to the 8:15 "Con Woman", it's evident that his rhythm-keeping skills are just as healthy as his keyboard chops... the tune gives voice to each and every player, and they will "WOW" you! The opener, "Gorgasaurus", will... read more
Zem Audu - Spirits
by Ken Micallef, Downbeat
Musicians who've had the opportunity to experience American jazz culture enjoy the immersion in history and tradition that is the birthright of every U.S.-born player. But equally appealing is the jazz-rich legacy inherent in London's history of African and Caribbean immigration as well as its long-standing love of and inclusion of pop music forms. On the U.S. side of the pond you have Jason Moran, Kamasi Washington and Bill Charlap, and on the... read more
The H2 Big Band - It Could Happen
by NICHOLAS F. MONDELLO, All About Jazz
5-STARS From one perspective, It Could Happen is a teaser title for this big band recording. Sure, it's a perseveration of one of the scrumptious cuts on this cake. However, like a fine Le Cordon Bleu recipe, if you heap eleven exceptionally well-written GAS and original selections into the pot and set great charts before some of the finest cookers this side of Eiffel, season with solo and vocal work that boils with sass, and... 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