Browse some recent Origin Reviews.
Michael Waldrop Big Band - Time Within Itself
by Bob Reny, International Association of Jazz Record Collectors
Dr. Michael Waldrop works by day as a is a Professor of Percussion at Eastern Washington University, but after hours and on weekends he leads this exciting big band, propelling it with contributions on drums and vibraphone. Apart from his career in academe, Waldrop has logged over 23 years playing drums in both jazz and classical settings, experience that surfaces throughout this recording. This is primarily a studio band but its members all... read more
Carlos Vega - Bird's Ticket
by Travis Rogers, Jr., The Jazz Owl
Carlos Vega, saxophonist and composer, was well-established in the Latin music scene of Miami and a student of Jazz when he made the move to Chicago in 2005. Having played with Arturo Sandoval and Tito Puente, he found a happy convergence of all his musical experiences and influences among the musicians of Chicago.
It was this that brought about Bird's Ticket (Origin 82708) and a collaboration with some of Chicago's first-call players. With... read more
Phil Kelly - Convergence Zone
by Bill Barton, Earshot
Composer/arranger Phil Kelly's new big band CD is truly a convergence zone between "tight" and "loose." Combining a stellar array of first-call studio players and smokin' jazz soloists from the Pacific Northwest with a few of his old friends from the Los Angeles, New York and Nashville scenes, Kelly has come up with a recording that combines consummate craftsmanship with flat-out fun in a most engaging fashion.
Kelly retired to the... read more
Gabriel Guerrero & Quantum - Equilibrio
by Tom Haugen, Take Effect
The inimitable pianist Gabriel Guerrero brings his Colombian heritage to these worldly 11 tracks that put him in the company of Seth Trachy, Will Slater, Felix Lecaros, Fung Chern Hwei and Guillermo Barrón.
The textured warmth of "Present Moment" opens the listen with Trachy' elegant sax aligning with Guerrero's playful piano playing, and "Ozpal" follows with Lecaros' animated drums amid the dancing keys of the frisky climate.
Halfway... read more
Josh Nelson - The Sky Remains
by Sean J. O'Connell, Los Angeles Times
Pianist Josh Nelson's Fairfax District home is squeezed from all sides by the lore of old Los Angeles, and he is a student of the city's many tales.
For Nelson's newest release, "The Sky Remains," out now on Origin Records, he invokes a handful of Southern California ghosts for an homage to the complicated past and promising future of his hometown with the help of some of L.A.'s best young jazz musicians, including vocalist Kathleen Grace,... read more
Affinity Trio - New Outlook
by Tom Haugen, Take Effect
The Milwaukee outfit consisting of Eric Jacobson, Pamela York and Clay Schaub, as Affinity Trio they deliver 6 covers and 3 originals of swingin' jazz fun.
The upbeat mood of "Onward" starts with Jacobson's rich trumpet alongside Schaub's bouncy bass and York's fluid keys, and 'On The Sunny Side Of The Street" follows with a soulful version of the classic that's quite warm.
In the middle, the swift "Bittersweet", by Sam Jones, allows... read more
Bill Anschell - More To The Ear Than Meets The Eye
by Adam Greenberg, All Music Guide
On More to the Ear Than Meets the Eye, pianist Bill Anschell provides a nice set of pieces showcasing his technical abilities as well as his ear for composition and arrangement. Two different rhythm sections are used for the recording, but Anschell remains in the front regardless. While many pianists are trying to stay in the background more and more on contemporary recordings, Anschell comes out swinging. The album opens with a rendition of... read more
Dan McCarthy - Epoch
by Chris Spector, Midwest Record
Not your typical vibe record, this vibe player leans into improv in a big way and has a multi generational crew of like minded hell raisers along for his label debut ride. Riding that tip of music as art in that downtown kind of way, the open eared will enjoy this ride into impressionistic realms not previously considered. The next wave is upon... 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