Browse some recent Origin Reviews.
Anthony Branker & Imagine - What Place Can Be for Us?
by Thierry Docmac, Paris Move
Anthony Branker is an American composer and conductor who is releasing his eighth album on the Origin Records label. He is certainly one of the most important current American composers, and this work makes us question the fundamental issues of inclusion and belonging, as well as the circumstances of exploitation and the zones of refuge experienced by people of African origin.
There is a real intellectual commitment in which the music is the... read more
Nick Finzer - The Chase
by Dave Rogers, WTJU - Richmond
This is apparently trombonist Finzer's first release as a leader and it includes eleven originals from the man himself. He earned a Masters degree from the Julliard Jazz program two years ago. While there he was mentored by Steve Turre. on this release, Finzer leads a tight group of musicians, including Lucas Pino (sax), Alex Wintz (guitar), Glenn Zaleski (piano), Dave Baron (bass), and Jimmy MacBride (drums). It's mostly post-bop headiness jazz... read more
Aaron Immanuel Wright - Eleven Daughters
by Dick Crockett, AccessSacramento.com, "The Voice" 88.7FM
Bassist Aaron Immanuel Wright's debut CD indicate a cool rendering where music is demanding, melodic and confrontational, alternating competitive dissonance with translucence. Wright's bass lines are direct with a heavy distinct convulsive sound, learned from playing in many different environments, and with a degree in philosophy and music, performing and composing among the best jazz musicians in the world. Accompanied by mentor, educator and... read more
Brent Jensen w/ Bill Anschell, Jeff Johnson, John Bishop - One More Mile
by Larry Hollis, Cadence, April-June 2008
I certainly won't attempt to speak for all Cadence readers but when I think of states with a heavy Jazz scene, Idaho is not one of them. Lionel Hampton and the late Gene Harris had healthy associations with the state but having visited, it would not be the place where I would seek out a jam session. "One More Mile" spotlights an Idaho native in saxophonist Brent Jensen who has four previous issues under the Origin logo. He is joined here by... read more
Hal Galper / Jeff Johnson / John Bishop - Furious Rubato
by Marc Medwin, Cadence
Hal Galper's offering was the biggest surprise. It's the furthest out, his playing much more adventurous than I would have expected. Clearly in the tradition, his keyboard attack is nevertheless somehow brazen, bold and certain, as with Andrew Hill of the Strange Serenade period. Even the usually serene "Naima" emits raw energy, the melody twisted almost out of recognition. "Milestones" is subjected to similar treatment, becoming a no holds-... read more
Paul Ricci - The Path
by Editor, Bman's Blues Report
I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, The Path, by Paul Ricci and it's an interesting blend of contemporary and world jazz. Opening with "Major Look," Steve Jordan on drums, Manolo Badrena on percussion and Anthony Jackson on contrabass guitar, set a funky rhythm and Paul Ricci lays down a smooth melody, contrasted by Michael Wolff on electric piano. Electrifying opener. "Lobo" is particularly enticing, featuring... read more
Hal Galper Trio - Airegin Revisited
by Philip Booth, Jazziz
Hal Galper, the well-traveled pianist, educator and author, is best-known for his decade-long residency with the Phil Woods Quintet. In 1990, he began earnestly focusing on the art of the trio, heading a touring group with bassist Jeff Johnson and drummer Steve Ellington. With John Bishop replacing Ellington in recent years, Galper has worked on refining a rubato style of collective performance, an approach that's about nothing if not the... read more
Scenes - Silent Photographer
by George Fendel, Jazz Society of Oregon
Portland guitarist Stowell has been performing and recording with Seattlites Jeff Johnson and John Bishop for some ten years now. Like any recipe worth waiting for, the time has been worth it, as this threesome communicate and anticipate one another with ease and symmetry. Cadence magazine calls this trait "an enviable tightness," and it's easy to sense in this talented threesome. Of the 10 selections here, most are the original compositions of... read more
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