Life has few certainties, but the constant and ever-moving nature of time is one of them. Events, both miniscule and monumental, pass by and usually leave nothing more than a memory or, in the case of music, a record. Such was the case with pianist Richard Sussman's Free Fall (Inner City Records, 1978). Joined by some burgeoning young talent in 1978, Sussman's album became an underground classic and that seemed to be the end of it. All the... read more
Scenes, a trio of guitarist John Stowell, bassist Jeff Johnson, and drummer John Bishop, typically plays straight-ahead modern jazz, though Stowell has a peculiar form of voicing in a guitar trio setting that imbues the music with a spectral presence, as if he isn't stating a melody so much as suggesting that its there. That tends to make for a cerebral experience that balances well with the trio's inherent warmth. Hans Teuber guests on sax... read more
Greta Matassa was dazzling at the recent Ballard Jazz Walk. She did what few singers dare to do--let the audience call the tunes. I walked in just as Matassa scatted with aplomb on "How High the Moon," raining serpentine ribbons of nonsense syllables that would have made the legendary Ella Fitzgerald proud. After a slow, succulent "Lush Life," Matassa plunged into Antonio Carlos Jobim's "Wave," faultlessly navigating the treacherous melodic... read more
The pandemic changed the world view of this Afro Cuban flautist of five decades standing into focusing more on children in need in times of need. The music certainly doesn't sound as down mouthed as that so don't fear. Brachfeld and her long standing crew of real pros are all in synch with the new vibe. This is one powerful gal that wont be held back and the music is the... read more
Trombonist, multi-instrumentalist, and composer Scott Reeves is returning with a new album called The Alchemist via Origin Records. The album is a recording of a 2005 live performance at The City College of New York, NYC by the Scott Reeves Quintet, with Reeves on alto flugelhorn, alto valve trombone and electronics, guitarist Russ Spiegel, pianist/keyboardist Mike Holober, bassist Howard Britz and drummer Andy Watson. The set comprises one... read more
Pianist Halberstadt, a prominent musician in the Pacific Northwest Jazz scene and a Jazz professor at Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, has previously recorded CDs which feature his writing (compositions or arrangements) for Jazz trio (Inner Voice, 1991 on Pony Boy, Parallel Tracks, 2004 on Origin) and for vocalists (Clockwork, 1996 on Pony Boy). His current release again features his writing, this time for Jazz... read more
Put together two experienced virtuosi at the head of a jazz quartet and you can hardly fail. Vibraphonist Joe Locke has displayed his expertise with Mingus Dynasty and bands led by such luminaries as Eddie Henderson and Tim Garland. Pianist Geoffrey Keezer joined Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers when he was only 17 and later became a vital part of Ray Brown's groups. Bassist Mike Pope and drummer Terreon Gully are less well-known, although Gully's... read more
David Friesen is most known for his esteemed work on bass, where he's occasionally sprinkled piano into the equation. Here, though, his bass is absent, as he brings us his first recording with the piano front and center for the entire journey.
"Backward Glance" starts the listen with elegant, flowing key work that's quite warm and cozy, as Friesen settles in like an old friend coming for a visit, and "Day Dream" continues the grace with... 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