Like many artists who lead dates on Origin, Chad McCullough makes his recording debut for the label, joined by veterans like saxophonists Mark Taylor and Geof Bradfield, pianist Bill Anschell (whose career has flourished since relocating to the Pacific Northwest), bassist Jeff Johnson, and drummer John Bishop. McCullough's rich re-harmonized treatment of the Beatles' "Blackbird" barely touches on the melody before it progresses well beyond its... read more
An utterly elegant sax/bass duo that plays it straight without any outside embellishment and shows you how to deliver a proper recital that has feeling rather than just be pretty but just lay there. Playing together for over 25 years, this duo has the telepathy in place to lead you even if they haven't thought ahead to where they are going to take you. This is a fine example of the tasty sound of... read more
The Antwerp bassist Piet Verbist has played a pivotal role in the Belgian jazz scene, and this 5th album on the Origin label has him aligning with Hendrik Braeckman on guitar and Lionel Beuvens behind the drum kit for a listen full of intimate and moody originals.
"The Other Side" opens the listen with a very stylish and upbeat display of bouncy bass, intricate guitar and frisky drums populating the lively jazz climate, and "A Noble Trice"... read more
John Bishop's new recording is outstanding. For reference it has the feel of a more aggressive Bill Evans trio, with all the elasticity and interaction that Evans and his trio's were known for. Pianist Bram Weijters, and bassist Piet Verbist are among Europe's best, and this trio gels and swings together as one musical mind and concept. Listen to their collective improvisation on "For Less Than Nothing. The trio is playing mostly original music,... read more
Rob Lockart is Texas born and educated at teh Eastman School Of Music; he completed studies at teh Banf School. He has lived and worked in New Orleans, New York and Los Angeles, where he now resides and teaches.
His musical experience includes jobs with the Woody Herman Orchestra, Doc Severinson's Big Band and performances with numerous smaller groups headed by well-known artists such as Clark Terry, Joe La Barbara and Mel Lewis. Lockart... read more
Californian Bruce Barth has been part of the New York jazz scene since 1988. His trio for his 17th album has two frequent collaborators, bassist Vicente Archer and the late drummer Montez Coleman, who died at just 48 of congestive heart failure in January. The chemistry is apparent, every track having the feeling of a first take.
Barth is an excellent composer. His brilliant, memorable melodies leave a lasting impression and he excels at... read more
This spirited romp by top-tier jazz professionals through the music of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn is long overdue. Though many pay lip service to their twin genius, the pair seem almost forgotten in popular culture. No massive vinyl reissue campaigns by major labels, no racy docudramas, no Record Store Day limited editions.
Bassist and educator Rodney Whitaker has studied the classic work of Ellington and Strayhorn since he was a... read more
Legendary drummer Peter Erskine brings together a band consisting of tenor saxophonist Robert Unterkofler, Bertl Mayer on harmonica, violinist Cozy Friedel, guitarist Andreas Varady, Danny Ziemann on bass and musical director Danny Grissett on piano for a tribute to one of America's great composers, Leonard Bernstein, at a concert in Vienna Austria back in October of 2021.
Erskine is a master here, creating irresistible crests for Unterkofler... 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