The percussionist shows there's more that you can do with rhythm than provide heat for the feet. Kind of a world jazz based set that takes you well off the beaten path, if things like marimba, kalimba and such are familiar to you, this often trancy set with tickle your fancy in a nice way. Step into his chamber and feel the... read more
Although Marcos Varela was born and raised in Houston, his roots go back to the tiny Texas town of San Ygnacio and the family ranch that dates back to at least the 1750's-- hence this album's title. From Varela's New York City base of the past 12 years, the active bassist has performed with such artists as Jason Moran, Geri Allen, the Mingus Big Band, and Kendrick Scott, while also composing music for film and TV. For his first CD as a... read more
West Coast pianist Clay Giberson's initial offering from the Origin label vividly recalls the seminal trio of Bill Evans, Scott LaFaro, and Paul Motian by the introspective manner in which it presents the music. Like Evans, Giberson's touch is well modulated, revealing an impressive lyrical demeanor. The nine compositions on the program all come from Giberson's pen. They are delicate, gentle, and, most of all, melodic but still distinctive.... read more
Speaking of David Bowie, I'm digging on this little ditty from Origin Records. The The Metropolitan Jazz Octet has done a terrific job rearranging a collection of Bowie tunes from rock and pop to jazz. Vocalist Paul Marinaro sings in different ranges than the original tunes, giving them a nice, new flavor.
What I love most is the band spends a decent amount of time on Bowie's Heathen album, which is one of my personal favorites. Well done,... read more
Not since Duke Ellington's famed Sacred Concerts has jazz so successfully melded Christian faith with modern music, and not since Bach has it been done with such reverent orthodoxy.
Leader and conductor Chris Waldon comes up with the brilliantly inspired (in the true sense of the word) concept of delivering a true jazz mass for the faithful, bringing in liturgical pieces such as "Kyrie", "Gloria" and even the Latin translation of the... read more
Good things come in threes, the saying goes, and so it is with the third release from Seattle drummer Steve Korn. While his first and second CD projects contained a total of six original compositions, Points in Time features seven Korn originals, providing us with the clearest glimpse into his musical psyche.
Recorded at Studio X in June of this year, Points in Time features an all-city cast with Korn on drums, Paul Gabrielson on double... read more
Bongwool Lee's Jazz Epiphany
Call it a revelatory jazz moment. As a classical music prodigy in Seoul, South Korea, pianist Bongwool Lee was listening to the radio one day when she heard the graceful but sturdy sound of Oscar Peterson.
"I'd listened to the radio every day since I was very young," said Lee, who today is based in New York. "When I heard Oscar Peterson on the radio, it changed my life immediately. I was 16 and I decided... read more
Trumpeter Pharez Whitted does not hide his populist intentions He titled his latest album For the People (Origin) and loaded it with compositions that highlight a bright tone and optimistic spirit.
"Music has the power to help mellow out some screwed-up philosophies," Whitted said at a cafe near his home on Chicago's South Side. "I'd like my music to speak ot that. Believe in something--hope. I don't want to preach; I just want... 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