Browse some recent Origin Reviews.
Dana Hall - Into the Light
by Tom Ineck, Berman Music Foundation
My introduction to drummer Dana Hall was his March 2009 appearance as guest soloist with the Nebraska Jazz Orchestra. The concert's advance publicity touted his degree in aerospace engineering, music composition and music arranging, an impressive resume that left me wondering if he was just another academic who dabbled in jazz.
His performance that night and his debut recording as a leader, "Into the Light," leave no room for doubt. Hall has... read more
Jon Alberts / Jeff Johnson / Tad Britton - Apothecary
by Elliott Simon, All About Jazz
This Apothecary is filled with new medicine in old bottles as this very experienced trio presents thoughtful fresh takes on tunes they have more than likely played as a group for over 20 years. Monk's "Bemsha Swing" and "Mysterioso" retain their pianistic quirks but are opened up with an unhurried approach while "Nardis" is given a similar savoring. Dave Brubeck's "In Your Own Sweet Way" is angularized, Bill Evans' "Turn Out the Stars" keeps the... read more
Les DeMerle - Feelin' Good
by Chris Spector, Midwest Record
A while back, we met a couple that played jazz on cruise ships and it changed our opinion, moving our head away from the usual Sammy Joey jive ass bulls*** you all too often find in those situations. This cruise ship jazz crew kicks it off with a snazzy version of "Speak Low" that not only sends you off into a good time mood, it'll also change your opinion about who will be entertaining you in captive situations. Hell, even George Wein got... read more
Rodney Whitaker - Oasis: The Music of Gregg Hill
by Jack Bowers, All About Jazz
Oasis is the third time around for bassist Rodney Whitaker and music written by fellow Michigander Gregg Hill, following Common Ground (Origin 82780) and Outrospection (Origin 82819). Personnel is the same as on Common Ground (Terell Stafford, trumpet; Tim Warfield, saxophone; Bruce Barth, piano; Dana Hall, drums; Rockelle Fortin, vocals) with Hall and Fortin returning from Outrospection (on which Fortin is listed as Rockelle... read more
Nnenna Freelon - Beneath the Skin
by Richard Kamins, Step Tempest
It's hard to believe that Nnenna Freelon turns 71 later in July. Yet, the singer, songwriter, playwright, actress, and podcaster has had a busy career that spans four decades. She did not begin recording until her early 30s. Signing to Columbia Records, her self-titled debut album introduced the world to a self-assured vocalist working her way through the Great American Songbook. After three albums, she moved to Concord Records where she... read more
Thomas Marriott - Constraints & Liberations
by Bill Milkowski, JazzTimes
Seattle trumpeter-composer Thomas Marriott is joined by tenor saxophonist Hans Teuber, pianist Gary Versace, bassist Jeff Johnson and drummer John Bishop on this excellent release, his fifth for Origin. From the urgent free-leaning opener, "Diagram," which seems to use Miles Davis' "E.S.P." as a jumping off point, to the swinging title track, the moody meditative "Clues" and the atmospheric rubato closer, "Treadstone 71." Marriott and company... read more
Marc Seales - American Songs, Volume 3: Time & Place
by Dick Metcalf, Improvijazzation
When your favorite tunes are those like "Pusherman", you'll find long hours of listening ahead in Marc's excellent keyboards on this great release! He's joined by guitarist Fred Hamilton, bassist Jeff Johnson, with Dave Captein on electric bass & Gary Hobbs on drums & they can COOK it! The other great thing about the recording is that it's all done right here on my home turf; a January 2015 release that you'll just want in your... read more
Amit Friedman - Sunrise
by Yotam Ziv, Columbus Music Magazine (Israel)
BEST ISRAELI JAZZ OF THE DECADE The "sunrise" of composer and saxophonist Amit Friedman came after quite a few years when he played as a sideman with many good musicians. Friedman defines himself as an autodidact. Although he studied jazz at Thelma Yellin and took individual lessons here and there, he paved the way for himself. This is probably why his music is so accessible and pleasant to listen to, but not at the expense of depth and... read more
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