Like a lot of seasoned, contemporary jazz pianists, Clay Giberson creates music that just about always works, but always works its most magic when it takes chances and breaks free from tradition. It's not so much a problem in contemporary jazz as it is an ever-so-slightly unfulfilled promise: it's music that is fine, damn fine even, for what it is, but always hints at going somewhere a little more special.
With Upper Road, Giberson and an... read more
Andrea Brachfeld plays both C and alto flute with a galloping team of Bill O'Connell/p-key, Harvie S-Lincoln Goines/b, Jason Tiemann-T. Portinho/dr, Roni Ben-Hur/g and Chembo Corniel/perc on this mix of Jobim and originals. O'Connell's keyboards give a vintage CTI soul feel to the rich read of "Double Rainbow" and "Ligia" as Portinho's brushes glide to the rich "Triste E Solitaria". Brachfeld is dreamy on "Passarim" and blends with Ben_hur" on... read more
The Latin jazz hydra presents yet another side of his skills with a second outing that flies under this particular flag. A solid serving of smoking Latin jazz that positions itself in an up market vibe, this classy set is a delightful fast ball right down the middle. Professional and well played while leaving the emotion and passion in tact, there isn't a lick on this set of originals that you won't like. A well done ear... read more
The title of this disc is concretely meaningful: Britton describes the life cycle of cicadas in his liner notes, emphasizing the wonder and mystery of the appearance and disappearance of these creatures and after acknowledging that no new really understands the functionality of this cycle, explains that these recordings having been dormant (missing, in fact) since 1992-93 have now emerged to share their impact and mystery with of the message... read more
Mimi Fox has been playing guitar for over four decades and released her first album in the 1980s, but This Bird Still Flies is her first all-acoustic recording - mostly on a Taylor acoustic, with Day Tripper featuring a baritone guitar. Mixing self-penned tunes with jazz standards and a couple of Lennon/McCartney numbers, the album gives Fox a chance to show off her versatility on the acoustic instruments.
Fox holds the attention... read more
Brad Goode (trumpeter, bassist, drummer, composer, music educator) presents his 18th release as a leader and it is a jewel! He has pulled together a stunning band, including Ernie Watts (tenor sax), Adrian Farrugia (piano), Kelly Sill (bass) and Adam Nussbaum (drums). Goode says the disc is "supposed to be a snapshot of this band...and of the musical relationship between Ernie and myself - the combination of our approaches." (Liner notes)... read more
One of the many highlights of last year's GIJF was the session by "The Cookers". A session that featured high on many of our 'Gig of the Year' listings and justifiably so. When I noted that two of those gig-scarred veterans, Hart and Cables, were on this album I shuffled it to the top of the pile without apology! Hart's drumming is everything we've come to expect of a man whose CV includes just about every jazzer of consequence. Cables?... read more
With a history of co-starring with famous musicians such as Stan Kenton, Clark Terry, and Randy Brecker, veteran jazz drummer Jack Mouse presents his debut album as a leader. In the quintet of masterful musicians including fellow Chicagoans Art Davis on trumpet and Scott Robinson on woodwinds, they perform 10 original songs, including dedications to Shelly Mann and Henry Mancini. From the attractive mysterious sounds in "Winterset," the... 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