Three storied improvisers get together to play the kind of intimate, grown up jazz that was the province of Bill Evans and others back in the '50s. Trust me, if they can play with telepathy, they can play composed music with their eyes closed. A tasty set throughout, it probably helps to be a grown up or have aspirational tastes to get the most out of this. Well done and cooking... read more
In a career spanning nearly four decades, vibraphonist Joe Locke conquered a high-ranking place among the most versatile mallet men in jazz. On his latest album, Subtle Disguise, he is edgier than ever, presenting two covers and seven original compositions, which are elevated to a superior dimension by the presence of exceptional colorists such as saxophonist David Binney and guitarists Adam Rogers and Raul Midón.
The eloquent saxman makes... read more
Trumpeter Cuong Vu built a reputation out of his original compositions and their high levels of ambience and envelopment of the listener. With Leaps of Faith, he moves into the territory of jazz standards. Applying sonic methods to constantly recognizable songs until they just break into unrecognizability. With a pair of electric basses, drums, and his own trumpet, Vu and his quartet start the album out by reworking songbook standards "Body and... read more
The jazz big band is one of those dinosauric amalgamations that roamed the land in thundering herds back in the mid to late 20th Century.
From Fletcher Henderson to Lionel Hampton, from Count Basie to Duke Ellington, from Woody Herman to the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Orchestra, these large aggregations (usually 18 pieces) traveled up and down the highways and byways of this great land, spreading the gospel of jazz to listeners and dancers at... read more
The multi-instrumenalist Clarence Penn is joined by a large cast for these vocal jazz selections that resonate timelessness and originality.
"Send One Your Love" opens the listen with Aaron Marcellus' expressive pipes alongside Penn's frisky drumming for the rhythmic climate, and "Come Talk To Me" follows with James Genus' playful bass suiting Kurt Elling's distinct pipes that are soulful.
Halfway through, "Sometimes It Snows In April"... read more
New York-based Trio East includes Eastman School of Music faculty members Clay Jenkins (trumpet), Jeff Campbell (bass) and Rich Thompson (drums). This unconventional jazz trio configuration challenges the myth that one needs a chordal instrument to complete an ensemble. Their skillful and melodic soloing, intuitive interaction, and compositional prowess more than compensate for the lack of a piano or guitar.
The nine tunes on the recording... read more
Chamber jazz or third stream - or whatever the amalgamation of western classical music and jazz is called - has had a handful of talented proponents sprinkled throughout the history of music. They have ranged from the more structured compositions of Igor Stravinsky to the looser improvisations of the Modern Jazz Quartet. Soprano saxophonist Jim Gailloreto has recently joined the ranks of these musicians.
On American Complex, Gailloreto is in... read more
To paraphrase iconic soul vocalist James Brown's shout-outs to his drummers, give the bassist some — if it's Rodney Whitaker. As is the case with rhythmic instruments, including drums, playing the upright double bass doesn't often result in celebrity. But the 57-year-old Detroit native has crafted a prolific 40-year recording career as a session musician and a leader, including on his latest release, Mosaic: The Music of Gregg Hill (Origin),... 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