Amit Friedman Sextet's Sunrise is one of those rare albums that I want to blast from the rooftops, convinced that if the whole damn world could just hear it, the planet would be a much happier place.
It's a majestic album that soars without forgetting to swing.
It's unlikely I'll be able to contain my enthusiasm in the words of this review. Pretty sure I'm not even gonna try.
It would be nice to give an objective review, even in... read more
Pianist Richard Sussman's 1979 quintet recording Free Fall made quite a splash when re-issued in 2002. Sporting trumpeter Tom Harrell and saxophonist Jerry Bergonzi, the disc was a hard bop celebration. Break forward 30 years, this same band unites for a live recording at NYC's Sweet Rhythm in 2003 playing a couple of pieces from the earlier recording as well as Tadd Dameron's "Soultrane" and the standard "What's New." the result is a cross... read more
Billy Taylor is best known -- at least in Britain -- for his trio's recording of his composition I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to be Free, which has been popularized as the signature tune for BBC Television's long-running "Film" programme. But, of course, Billy Taylor has done much more than that, as Jessica Williams's sleeve-note reminds us: playing with the likes of Ben Webster, Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker; acting as house pianist at... read more
The Brazilian pianist, singer and songwriter Delia Fischer has enjoyed a 40+ year career, and this first album in English welcomes plenty of guests to the cultured and timeless listen.
"A Little Samba" opens the record with much warmth, where Marcelo Costa's soft drums complement the graceful singing, and "Song Of Self Affirmation" follows with Gretel Paganini's stirring cello alongside the poetic vocals.
Moving into the middle, "Lemon... read more
Seattle based Origin Records continues to refine and redefine the spirit of 21st century jazz with a number of releases that borders on prodigious. Among their many fine recent titles is The Stillness Of Motion by The Scott Hesse Trio. Chicago based Hesse has composed a range of instrumental trio tracks while receiving support from his trio mates, Clark Sommers (bass) and Makaya McCraven (drums). The sound of this CD is very improv based free... read more
This is FRESH AIR. Jazz saxophonist, flautist and singer James Moody mostly led his own groups, but also performed with friend Dizzy Gillespie and his bands. Moody made an untold number of records during his 63 years of recording. But jazz historian Kevin Whitehead says he really excelled as a live performer. The centennial of James Moody's birth was in March. And now comes a new live album from his 80th birthday.
James Moody at New York's... read more
It is certainly good news for jazz listeners that Origin Records has released ten of Hal Galper's past recordings as a leader, including this live concert from 1977 recorded in Berlin's symphony hall and released as (3) in 2021 as a two CD set. This concert, occurring in Galper's life chronology between extended stays with Cannonball Adderley (1973-1975) and with Phil Woods (1980-1990), displays a heightened dynamic and McCoy Tyner-influenced... read more
Mamutrio was founded when 19-year-old drummer Jesse Dockx convinced his teachers, alto saxophonist Lieven Cambré and bassist Piet Verbist, to collaborate with him. Primal Existence is an hour-long exposé on how to make a traditional approach sound contemporary. Part of the group's success lies in its demarcated sound registers: Verbist holding down the bottom, Cambré in the upper-middle, Dockx' cymbals on top, his snare and toms filling in... read more
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.
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