Celebrating his recent retirement after thirty years as a jazz educator, Collier let's the improv drive him rather than the other way around as he transposes ideas and adds Bill Frisell to the mix. Very George Russell in reminisce vibes are going on here as Collier weaves his vibes throughout, this is a set for eggheads that wear their mortar boards proudly. Deceptively simple, there's a lot going on here for those that want to dig... read more
The sax-bass-drum trio is not a rare grouping, mostly with tenor saxophones (Sonny Rollins, Gratitude Trio by Jeroen van Herzeele) but there are exceptions such as the trio Renku by Michaƫl Attias with alto sax, or this Mamutrio .
This formula "without net" requires a perfect involvement of the rhythmic pair: everyone must be able to be a soloist in his turn. This is the case of Mamutrio.
Along with Jesse Dockx, a 19-year-old drummer... read more
5-STARS A Dream Album of People, Places, and Time: Marc Seales and Ernie Watts Deliver a Jazz Masterpiece for the Ages.
The title, and even the opening notes, of this album might initially evoke the laid-back sophistication of a Michael Franks project. And indeed, there is something unmistakably refined, almost architectural, about this collaboration. In an era when melodic clarity is too often sacrificed for trend or abstraction,... read more
Thomas Marriott's second recording is a thoroughly impressive affair, recorded over two studio sessions a few months apart. With a band including pianist Marc Seales, bassist Jeff Johnson, and drummer John Bishop, the leader kicks off the disc with "Both Sides of the Fence," a driving post-bop original that showcases his lyrical chops on flugelhorn in an uptempo setting. Seales switches to electric piano for Marriott's rather dark "The... read more
This trio utilizes a Hammond B3 organ (Sam Yahel), a tenor sax (Joshua Redman) and drums (Brian Blade). All are superior musicians.
Six of the nine tracks were written and arranged by Sam; the rest include a bop standard by Ornette Coleman, a tune by Paul Simon and another by Gilberto Gil/Joao Donato.
The tunes range from simple to complex, and cover a spectrum of meters: from standard 4/4 to waltz, Latin-tinged and no regular beat at... read more
Dr. Michael Waldrop works by day as a is a Professor of Percussion at Eastern Washington University, but after hours and on weekends he leads this exciting big band, propelling it with contributions on drums and vibraphone. Apart from his career in academe, Waldrop has logged over 23 years playing drums in both jazz and classical settings, experience that surfaces throughout this recording. This is primarily a studio band but its members all... read more
The pianist Bill Anschell was surprisingly self-taught, he subsequently studied at Oberlin College and Wesleyan under some influential teachers. After receiving his master's degree he came to Atlanta in 1989 as the jazz coordinator for the Southern Arts Federation. He eventually formed an internationally syndicated radio show "Jazz South" and became steeped in the Atlanta jazz scene, with his trio performing at the 1996 Summer Olympic Games and... read more
5 STARS
If, from the opening moments of this album, you sense a faintly cinematic and slightly mysterious atmosphere in Dave Slonaker's music, it is probably rooted in a fascination that took hold early in his life: the sound world of great orchestras. As a teenager, that curiosity led him to the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, where he immersed himself in the mechanics of orchestration and large-scale composition. Decades later,... 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