Browse some recent Origin Reviews.
Joachim Mencel - Brooklyn Eye
by Mateusz Kołodziej, AxunArts (Poland)
Joachim Mencel grew up in a country where at the end of the 1960s and the beginning of the next decade, people did not bask in luxury (although part of the society probably did not complain). The constant fight for freedom, an attempt to overthrow the power controlled from Moscow, dreams of a better life - preferably in the United States, which were presented as an almost mythical land from where Polish families received parcels from time to... read more
Greta Matassa - Portrait
by Paul Rauch, Earshot Jazz
It has been nearly a decade since vocal artist Greta Matassa has spoken to us via a new recording. With Portrait, Matassa covers the best of the songs she has performed with her working band of the past 10 years. The result is a solid, swinging collection of tunes steeped in intimacy.
Whether diving into Michel LeGrand's "Pieces of Dreams," or reimagining Bob Dylan's late 90's jewel, "To Make You Feel My Love," Matassa takes on each piece... read more
Andrew Rathbun Large Ensemble - The Atwood Suites
by Felipe Freitas, The Jazz Trail
The new album from Canadian saxophonist Andrew Rathbun comprises three suites. The 2-CD set Atwood Suites, co-produced by Rathbun and drummer George Schuller, features a contagious 18-piece jazz orchestra of respectful instrumentalists and renowned soloists, including saxophonists Quintin Nachoff and John O'Gallagher, trumpeters Tim Hagans (as a featured soloist on CD1) and Russ Johnson, trombonist Alan Ferber, guitarist Nate Radley, and... read more
Karrin Allyson - A Kiss for Brazil
by Dorothea Gängel, Jazz'N'More (Switzerland)
4-STARS The singer Karrin Allyson, who comes from Kansas, is dedicated to Brazilian music. "A Kiss for Brasil" is already the third album dedicated to these rhythms. This time, Allyson has brought the celebrated singer, guitarist and songwriter Rosa Passos to her side as a special guest. Passos contributes two songs to the album: "O Grande Amor" and "Month of March in Salvador (Dunas)". Victor Goncalves on piano and accordion and Rafael... read more
Nnenna Freelon - Beneath the Skin
by George W Harris, Jazz Weekly
Ringer of the Week! Vocalist Nnenna Freelon has had a career that could easily be divided into two eras. Her early career had her create albums that mixed soul, R&B and smooth jazz in an irresistible fashion. Around 2012, she seemed to have taken a break from recording and touring, and has since returned to the scene with a more reflective, thoughtful and world-wise fragrance to her sound. This recent release with Alan Pasqua/p-key,... read more
Ark Ovrutski - Intersection
by Dan Bilawsky, All About Jazz
4 1/2 STARS Ukrainian bassist Ark Ovrutski arrived on American soil just over a decade ago, and he's been rather busy ever since. A nonstop go-getter from his earliest days, Ovrutski immediately made the most out of that move, steadily working his way into the ultra-competitive New York jazz scene and seeking out opportunities to further his playing and knowledge in formal academic settings and informal environments. Now, with a full gigging... read more
Phil Kelly & The SW Santa Ana Winds - My Museum
by Rick Culver, www.jazzradio247.com
Having been fortunate enough to be a member of so many of the greatest jazz bands, let me begin this review by stating that I sure wish I'd been a member of this one. This band list is definitely a who's who of the best musicians in Los Angeles, jazz or studio: jazz for the inventiveness of the solos and swing of the music, and studio for the technical ability of the musicians, or as Phil put it: "There wasn't time for a rehearsal�we�put the ink... read more
Scenes - Silent Photographer
by Doug Simpson, Audiophile Audition
Scenes: placing modern artistic jazz in an empathic trio setting.
The Pacific Northwest is full of jazz musicians who deserve more notice outside the region. The Seattle/Portland trio Scenes is one example. Guitarist John Stowell, bassist Jeff Johnson and Origin Records honcho/drummer John Bishop first came together, along with tenor saxophonist Rick Mandyck, on the 2001 album Scenes. Since that time, Bishop, Stowell and Johnson have... read more
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