Browse some recent Origin Reviews.
Jessica Williams - The Art of the Piano
by Andrea Canter, The Jazz Police
Although piled high with critical accolades, awards, and grants over her nearly five-decade career, pianist Jessica Williams remains a somewhat obscure if Herculean talent. Seldom performing outside of the west coast, and most often in solo, the Baltimore native is known to discerning audiences primarily through her vast discography and sheaf of original compositions. Nominated twice for a Grammy for best instrumental album, Jessica should get a... read more
Piet Verbist - Secret Exit to Another Dimension
by Michael van Gee, Jazz 'N' More (Switzerland)
5-STARS This album is a delight from the first to the last note, as it clearly demonstrates how good a trio with bass, guitar and drums can sound. The protagonists come from Belgium and present eight of their own compositions as well as one each by Charlie Parker and Thelonius Monk. The versatility of the program makes this CD a musical treat. Verbiest's melodious bass sound paired with Braeckman's sensitive guitar playing - reminiscent... read more
Michael Dease Big Band - Return Trajectory
by Thierry De Clemensat, Paris Move
4-STARS Michael Dease's Return Trajectory Turns a University Big Band Into Something Electrifying
Michael Dease has spent much of his career resisting the easy limitations that jazz institutions often place on musicians. Trombonist, composer, educator, arranger and restless collaborator, he has long approached music less as a fixed discipline than as a constantly evolving conversation. That spirit defines Return Trajectory, a... read more
Bobby Rozario - Healer
by Editor, Bman's Blues Report
I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Healer, by Bobby Rozario, and it's cool jazz rock with potent Latin influences. Opening with title track, Healer, Bobby Rozario opens with fluid guitar riffs underscored by Neil Nail Alexander on organ, James Genus on bass, Nathaniel Townsley on drums, and Jhair Sala on percussion and Rosario, Keith Fluitt, and Carlton Jumel Smith on vocals. Lively opener. On Supreme, they crank up... read more
Giacomo Gates - Centerpiece
by Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Daily News
Let's face it: Scat singing is an art best left to Ella Fitzgerald and very few others. But if a guy who spent 12 years in Alaska working as a bouncer and manning bulldozers wants to try, who are we to argue? Actually, Gates is one of the most extraordinary singers working in jazz today, the owner of a joyful baritone who has synthesized a host of influences - Eddie Jefferson, Jon Hendricks and Sinatra among them - and turned them into something... read more
Michael Orenstein - Aperture
by Chris Spector, Midwest Record
An LA based jazz piano cat t hat's paid his dues while being influenced by Herbie Hancock seems to have waited until just the right time to deliver his auspicious debut. Kind of smooth jazz with bite, this is top shelf sitting down jazz that moves and grooves with fine style and chops. Classy throughout, this is the tour de force you are always looking... read more
Matt Vashlishan - No Such Thing
by George Fendel, Jazz Society of Oregon
Right from the get-go, one hears Vashlishan's silvery tone, sometimes reminiscent of Paul Desmond or Gary Foster. Most of the tunes here are originals, but it's interesting to note in particular a few which are based on changes to well known standards. Hence, "Amalgamation" is built on "Giant Steps""Solar"; "Lennie's Place""Green Dolphin Street"; and "Pieces" shadows "All the Things You Are." Vic Juris's guitar is fine, but in groups such as... read more
Jessica Williams - Songs For A New Century
by Ric Bang, The Davis Enterprise
Pianist Jessica Williams' newest album is, as fans have come to expect, another winner.
This prolific artist - more than 40 releases, and still counting - has been at the top of the talent pool for nearly 50 years. Only a few musicians have achieved such longevity, and the amazing aspect is that she's better now than ever before.
In addition, Williams is more than a consummate pianist; she wrote all but one of the tunes in this solo piano... read more
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