Browse some recent Origin Reviews.
Hood Smoke - Laid Up In Ordinary
by Chris Spector, Midwest Record
Am I hearing young Hawk Wolinski and Chaka Khan echoing in these grooves? A smoking Chicago crew that knows their groove history a well as their local history deliver Grandson of Rufus on this funky for the times set that's driven by their well honed chops. Fun stuff that'll be sure to tell you something good.... read more
Hal Galper Quartet featuring Jerry Bergonzi - Cubist
by Chris Spector, Midwest Record
How do you make this trio better? Add Jerry Bergonzi and record them live and in the moment. You think it's going to be sitting down jazz but once the percolator starts perking, you just can't turn it off. A tease and a surprise, this is jazz that engages you and keeps you on board to hear what's coming next. Pros that deliver the goods, this is the hot stuff you are seeking that doesn't play fair and doesn't play by the... read more
Matt Jorgensen - Tattooed by Passion: Music inspired by the paintings of Dale Chisman
by Kyle O'Brien, Jazz Society of Oregon
The title alone is enough to give this one a spin. On closer look and listen, drummer Jorgensen's disc is a musical exploration of the paintings of Dale Chisman. The title is taken from Chisman's abstract impression of an upside down bass viol. The accompanying tune doesn't have the immediate impact as the painting, but the light tune does evoke a sense of wonder, as if you're looking at the picture, not a part of it. Trumpeter Thomas Marriott... read more
Sam Yahel - Truth And Beauty
by 100 Greatest Albums, 100 Greatest Jazz Albums
In what is going to be a more active year than recently for Joshua Redman, the gifted tenor sax player appears in a second new trio jazz release (following his own "Back East") in as many weeks. Now the format is sax, Hammond B3 (Sam Yahel) and drums (the wonderful Brian Blade) but the basic tenet is the same; less is more - more jazz from a paired down setting.
Sam Yahel is composer on most of the tracks ("Truth and Beauty", "Man O' War",... read more
Alex Graham - The Good Life
by Tristan Smith, Jazz Review
In one word: Impressive. Alex Graham's The Good Life showcases not only his ability as a reedman but as an improviser, composer and arranger. Backed by a veteran New York rhythm section, Graham shows hints of Dexter Gordon and Horace Silver throughout the six compositions. Additionally, Graham's talents are furthered by the inclusion of two original tunes thrown in with four created by other artists.
While Graham is an alto saxophonist by... read more
Big Neighborhood - 11:11
by Dan McClenaghan, All About Jazz
The liner note explanation of the title of Big Neighborhood's second CD release, penned by the group's guitarist/leader, David White, sounds sort of loopy and New Age weird. White claims that "in some circles 11:11 is a wake-up code as seen on digital clocks designed to reach the subconscious mind and trigger genetically encoded memories showing us that we are higher spirits...."
Claptrap. Go hug a crystal. That's my take on it. But when you... read more
Steve Million - Remembering The Way Home
by Hrayr Attarian, Chicago Jazz Magazine
Solo jazz piano records, by virtue of the instrument?s versatility, run the gamut from the ragtime-inspired stride playing of James P. Johnson to the Western classical music-inspired avant-garde stylings of Cecil Taylor. Steve Million?s solo record Remembering the Way Home falls somewhere a bit to the right of Taylor??not quite as adventurous and ?out there???yet further from the more traditional, blues-inflected, solo jazz piano records as... read more
Josh Nelson - The Sky Remains
by Michael Doherty, Music Log
I've been residing in Los Angeles for approximately two decades, and there are things I've come to really love about this city. Certain places, certain buildings, even certain roads. There really is a special feel to this city, which when looked at in a certain light can be almost magical. Fellow Los Angeles resident Josh Nelson explores different areas of the city on his new album, The Sky Remains. He is interested in capturing and conveying... read more
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