If you play the soprano saxophone, at some point, you'll have to confront the legacies of John Coltrane and Sidney Bechet. In 2017, soprano virtuoso Dave Liebman saluted the former on Compassion: The Music of John Coltrane, which paired him with tenor saxophonist Joe Lovano. This year, he teams up with guitarist John Stowell to pay homage to the latter on Petite Fleur: The Music of Sidney Bechet (Origin). A New Orleans... read more
Perhaps least known among contemporary jazz's great voice-piano duos, with 25 years of shared history, Laurie Antonioli and Richie Beirach are also masters of delayed gratification. The Duo Sessions, their first album as coleaders, was recorded in 1992 but not released until 13 years later. This overdue reunion was recorded in Beirach's adopted hometown of Leipzig a decade ago, completed in California in 2012, and at last released in... read more
Ray Vega and Thomas Marriott make up a two pronged battering ram as they bring their trumpets to the front line along with a soulful rhythm team of George Colligan/B3 and Matt Jorgenson/dr. Jorgenson lays down the groove for some hard bopping blowers such as "The Egyptian" and the ride cymbal snapping "United" that includes staccato hand claps to keep the ride bustling. The horns have fun with the shuffle boogie of a soul-filled "The Bourgeoloo"... read more
Thelonious Monk's compositions and piano playing are declarative and often angular. On "Bobby Broom Plays for Monk" (Origin), Broom, a guitarist who plays regularly with tenor saxophonist Sonny Rollins, proves subtle and nuanced. With band mates Dennis Carroll (bass) and Kobie Watkins (drums), this is a pleasing alternate take on Monk.
Monk never recorded with a guitarist except on bootleg tapes from a 1940s jam session. His bassist and... read more
A Dream in Eight Movements: Alon Farber's Hagiga and the Architecture of Imagination
5-STARS What could be more beautiful than surrendering oneself to the unexpected, being swept into the creative universe of an artist whose vision is at once personal and expansive? For some, Alon Farber is a familiar name, known through previous recordings. For others, like myself, his music remained a whispered rumor until recently. In 2024,... read more
LIVE REVIEW: OTTAWA JAZZ FESTIVAL
June 22: Joel Miller Quartet, Ninety Miles and The Fellowship Band - If the first night of the festival was only tangential in its relation to jazz, the second night was proof that the Ottawa Jazz Festival is committed to bringing top quality jazz to the big stage at Confederation Park; they couldn't have put together a better triple bill. Still, if Canadian saxophonist Joel Miller, the all-star... 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
This Chicago based saxophonist/composer swings with ease and authenticity. Joined in a quintet format featuring the elucidating Victor Garcia on trumpet, the music often has latin rhythms, but owes a lot to be-bop as well, an 21st century version of the Machito sound. But there are also straight ahead melodies for the ages, like the gorgeous "Untitled Waltz For The Wednesday" which features guest artists Scott Hesse on guitar and Cheryl Wilson,... 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