Browse some recent Origin Reviews.
New Stories - Hope is in the Air
by Peter Monaghan, Earshot
After many years of relative obscurity, Elmo Hope is getting at least some of this due. A contemporary of Thelonious Monk, Hope long was overshadowed by that askew genius. With some overcorrection, he of late has been compared in greatness with Monk. That might be over-reaching, but the point, really, is that comparisons aren't as useful as plain appreciation of an undoubtedly great musician's accomplishments.
In fact, as Don Sickler relates... read more
Hal Galper Trio - The Zone: Live at the Yardbird Suite
by Paul Rauch, All About Jazz (Feature)
"What happens in the zone, stays in the zone."
The career of Hal Galper has earned the pianist acclaim as both a performer and educator. Perhaps most importantly, it has drawn attention to his contributions to the music as a true innovator. While other pianists of his era gained more recognition, Galper sought out a career path where acclaim would be genuine among his peers and his audience, and not measured by the value of his... read more
Ira Sullivan & Stu Katz - A Family Affair - Live at Joe Segal's Jazz Showcase
by William Carey, All About Jazz
Some numbers to ponder. Saxophonist/trumpeter Ira Sullivan is 80 years old; vibraphonist Stu Katz is 74. 57 years. That is how long Ira Sullivan and Stu Katz have been making music together. 64 years. The number of years that Joe Segal's the Jazz Showcase has been featuring great jazz. In 1954, the year Bill Haley and the Comets recorded "Rock Around the Clock," two fine young jazz musicians first got together in their adopted hometown of... read more
Karrin Allyson - A Kiss for Brazil
by C. Michael Bailey, Wild Mercury Rhythm
In 2001, singer Karrin Allyson released a near-perfect jazz concept album in Ballads: Remembering John Coltrane (Concord Music Group). Well known for her fine song programming, Allyson released a string of recordings right after that: In Blue (Concord Music Group, 2003), Wild For You (Concord Music Group, 2004), and 'Round Midnight (Concord Music Group, 2011), among others.
The singer has always had a fondness for the music of Brazil,... read more
John Bishop with Jeff Johnson, Rick Mandyck, John Stowell - Scenes
by Peter Monaghan, Earshot Jazz
"Scenes," in which Bishop joins three proven players - saxophonist Rick Mandyck, bassist Jeff Johnson and Portland guitarist John Stowell.
It's a fine set, with responsive playing from the whole crew. Mandyck, Johnson and Bishop are long-proven in these parts, and so to is Stowell to listeners who've been around a while. Those will also know, however, that he has an odd stage presence, holding his guitar almost upright and playing it... read more
John Stowell - Resonance
by C. Michael Bailey, All About Jazz
Resonance, as manifested in the new recording of the same title by guitarist John Stowell, takes two guises. First, as a talented guitar player with an impressive resume, Stowell can be counted on, nee, expected to provide interesting and compelling performances of both his original and the jazz standard repertoire. This is certainly evident in his choice of recital items. Second, Stowell teams up with the modern guitar Stradivari, Mike Doolin,... read more
Brad Goode Quintet Feat. Ernie Watts - Live Your Dream: Live at North Street Cabaret
by Thierry De Clemensat, Paris Move
Brad Goode and Ernie Watts deliver a stunning live jazz performance filled with daring improvisation, emotional intensity and extraordinary musicianship, creating one of the most compelling contemporary jazz recordings in recent years.
5-STARS Brad Goode and Ernie Watts Turn Live Jazz Into Pure Electricity
There was this album cover in muted shades of blue and gray that had been staring back at me for weeks. I kept leaving... read more
Bobby Broom - Song And Dance
by Howard Reich, Chicago Tribune
We sometimes forget how many world-class jazz musicians live-- and work -- in our midst.
Consider Bobby Broom, who happens to be the favorite guitarist of tenor saxophone icon Sonny Rollins. Broom has toured globally with Rollins in recent years, bringing his buoyant art to audiences who have applauded it.
But Rollins, 76, tours only at selected times each season, freeing Broom to hold various ongoing engagements across the Chicago area.... read more
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