Browse some recent Origin Reviews.
Brent Jensen with David Sills - Stay Cool
by David Franklin, JazzTimes, May 2003
Although many youner players look to the hard-bop of the '50s and '60s for inspiration, it's much less common to find youthful players who reflect the values of the erstwhile "cool school." But altoist Brent Jensen and tenorist David Sills, two saxophonists inspired by the likes of Paul Desmond, Lee Konitz and Warne Marsh, are among the few. In the context of a pianoless quartet, their Stay Cool (Origin) evokes the spirit of Lester Young... read more
Hadley Caliman - Straight Ahead
by Brad Walseth, JazzChicago.net
Based on his background and abilities, it is astonishing that a player like tenor saxophonist Hadley Caliman is not more well-known. Originally from L.A., Caliman studied with Dexter Gordon before touring with Mongo Santamaria, Gerald Wilson, Willie Bobo, Freddie Hubbard, Joe Henderson, Bobby Hutcherson and many more, even - at one point - touring live with the rock group Santana. For more than twenty years, he was a member of the music faculty... read more
John Stowell | Michael Zilber - Live Beauty
by George Fendel, Oregon Jazz Scene
The gifted Portland guitarist John Stowell manages to get a record or two per year out there for his loyal listeners to enjoy. This time it is saxman Michael Zilber, who joins Stowell and the quartet before a live audience in Berkeley, California. Stowell and Zilber communicate effortlessly on six originals of varying moods and tempos. There is also one standard; the venerable "My Funny Valentine." and you have never heard it quite like... read more
Dudley Owens | Aaron Immanuel Wright - People Calling
by Peter Margasak, Chicago Reader
On the terrific new People Calling (Origin), this Chicago-New York four-piece taps into the "spiritual jazz" feel of John Coltrane's classic quartet, even chanting the words of the title track, a la "A Love Supreme." The new recording is a big leap forward for Chicago saxophonist Dudley Owens, whose 2009 debut album, Just the Beginning, tried to show off his entire range and ended up diluting his strengths. He's now impressively focused:... read more
Pharez Whitted - For the People
by Jeff Krow, Audiophile Audition
(4 Stars)
Pharez Whitted may be primarily known in the Midwest areas of Chicago and Indianapolis as a talented trumpeter, composer, and educator- however with the release of his new Origin Records release, For the People, that all may change. Pharez comes from a strong jazz musical heritage as his mother (bassist, Virtue Hampton Whitted) is the sister of the legendary trombone player Slide Hampton. His father is a drummer and his... read more
Dan McCarthy - City Abstract
by FRIEDRICH KUNZMANN, All About Jazz
Canadian vibesman Dan McCarthy has come a long way since the release of his already very accomplished debut album Interwords (self produced) in 2006. Since moving to Brooklyn, New York in 2004, McCarthy has been able to collaborate with some of the city's finest improvisors, such as Steve Swallow or Ben Monder who are also the musicians joining him on his first of two albums in 2019, both released on the Seattle-based label Origin Records. The... read more
Ray LeVier - Ray's Way
by Michael J. West, JazzTimes
Drummer Ray LeVier has chops. His Web page includes video of a drum clinic near his home in New York's Hudson Valley that places his virtuosity beyond question, as do his heavy beats behind singer-songwriter KJ Denhert. But on his postbop-oriented leader debut, Ray's Way (Origin), LeVier epitomizes understatement; he takes no solos, save for a series of one-bar breaks on one track, and comps so subtly that even the bass (played by Fran�ois... read more
Collier & Dean - Sleek Buick
by Dave Sumner, Wondering Sound
Real nice contemporary fusion recording, led out by vibraphonist Tom Collier, and also including some powerhouse names from the contemporary scene like Ernie Watts, Ted Poor, Alex Acuna and Don Grusin. Album starts out with a bluegrass ditty, with mandolinist Andy Leftwich spurring them on, then moves into more common territory. Songs have a nice motion to them, "Lettercollum/Paris" in particular, which is all kinds of likable. Typically not... read more
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