Giacomo Gates didn't decide to make a career of music until 1990, at age 40, and his debut recording appeared five years later. Since then he has established himself as a member in good standing of the ever-so-exclusive club of male jazz singers.
With "Centerpiece," Gates takes another leap forward, with a wide ranging repertoire demonstrating his many vocal skills and the natural appeal of his deeply resonant baritone instrument.
On... read more
I am always intrigued and interested when a composer or arranger leads a recording date without playing an instrument of the recording. Composer and
Musical Director Dr. Anthony Branker is one such composer, and he has created a recording inspired by voices and perspectives representing communities that have been overlooked or deemed unimportant. Branker's music is very modern and very composed, at times reminding me of the music of Andrew... read more
Relaxed, long-legged piano trio music of high achievement. 4-1/2 STARS
If there is a criticism to be leveled at this lovely music, it is that it proceeds at such a leisurely, unhurried pace as to lull the unwary listener into complacency. But hold on. Why not just juice up one's listening acumen? Wouldn't that solve the problem? Yes, but not everyone will either have the capacity, inclination, or patience to do... read more
4-STARS The potent partnership of guitarist John Stowell and saxophonist Michael Zilber plays out on this highly interactive and adventurous set recorded before a live audience at the California Jazz Conservatory in Berkeley. Fueled by the remarkably empathetic Bay Area rhythm tandem of bassist John Shifflet and drummer Jason Lewis, Stowell and Zilber take their time and follow their muse quite freely throughout this intimate concert.... read more
Greg Yasinitsky wrote and arranged all the music here, as well as plays every type of sax along with his rotating 10 piece band of hard swingers. The Tunes are all upbeat and muscular, with everyone getting a chance in the spotlight. The leader's tenor teams with Vern Sielert's trumpet on the pumping opener "GP" while a more romantic "Song For Laura" includes Teo Ciaverella's rich piano. David Jarvis supplies the backbeat for the bopping "Blues... read more
In my well-worn copy of the third edition of the 'All Music Guide to Jazz,' Stevie Wonder is mentioned 42 times--more than Hoagy Carmichael, Harold Arlen or Cole Porter. It was inevitable that jazz musicians would discover Wonder. For the generation that came of age in the mid-60's through the '70s, including members of the Deep Blue Organ Trio, Wonder was in the air. And so it is that organist Chris Foreman, guitarist Bobby Broom and drummer... read more
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
Jim McNeely, Kelly Sill and Joel Spencer have been performing together, whenever time and opportunity allowed, since they first met at the University of Illinois more than thirty years ago but had never recorded as a unit until now. After hearing Boneyard many listeners may be wondering why, as it's about as tasteful and charming as a piano-led trio album can be.
Pianist McNeely, a Chicagoan who is perhaps best known as music director of New... 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