Browse some recent Origin Reviews.
Kobie Watkins Grouptet - Movement
by Michael Ferber, Michael's Jazz Blog
Drummer Kobie Watkins, born and raised in Chicago, has toured and recorded with a number of well-known musicians like Sonny Rollins, Bobby Broom (he plays on the three Bobby Broom albums which I have in my collection), Kurt Elling, Branford Marsalis and Joe Lovano. He presents here his first album with his Grouptet.
The Kobie Watkins Grouptet includes:
Kobie Watkins - drums
Justin Nielsen - piano
Ryan Nielsen - trumpet
Jonathan... read more
Jack Mouse - Range of Motion
by Lloyd Sachs, Jazzespress
In jazz, there are times when you can judge a book by its covers, and an artist by the musicians he pays tribute to with his own compositions. That?s the case with veteran drummer Jack Mouse?s new album, Range of Motion, which includes songs written for or dedicated to the great Bunky Green, ?50s innovator John LaPorta, Henry Mancini and Shelley Manne. He also scores points with a dedication to hockey great Bobby Orr, ?Hip... read more
Purna Loka Ensemble - Metaraga
by K Knox, Amazon
Heard a track from this on my local pubic radio station and was so blown away I had to park the car in order to give it my full attention and find out who the players were. East Indian violin of the highest caliber intertwined with equally virtuosic violin rooted in Western classical, Appalachian blues and Celtic reels, all grounded with gorgeous bass and tabla. The compositions are intricate and compelling, the playing is dazzling. The best... read more
2x2: Galvao/Santiago/Landais/Enouf - 2x2
by Chris Spector, Midwest Record
When is euro jazz not Euro jazz? When two Brazilians meet up with two Frenchies in an odd ball circumstance that affords them with a chance to let it all hang out across the borders. A smokingly solid little date that has the angular Euro stuff and the breezy Brazilian stuff, frequently facing often in the same staff, it's a mash up these pros know how to deliver. Sitting down jazz of the highest order, you don't have to be an egghead or a... read more
Jordan VanHemert - Deep in the Soil
by Michael van Gee, Jazz'N'More (Switzerland)
5-STARS Saxophonist Jordan VanHemert has hired an all-star band for his album. This includes the outstanding trumpeter Terell Stafford, the exquisite trombonist Michael Dease and the fantastic rhythm section with Helen Sung, Rodney Whitaker and Lewis Nash. The sextet plays at the highest level and adds highlights to the eight compositions. The first track, Sharel Cassity's "Call to Order" with rousing solos from trumpet, piano, alto... read more
Anthony Branker and Word Play - Uppity
by Sean J. O'Connell, Downbeat Magazine
***1/2 (3.5 stars)
Anger and injustice are strong themes on composer and conductor Anthony Branker's new album. Knowing the backstory of Branker's compositions, told in his lengthy liner notes, is essential to a complete understanding of the project, though the funky performances on the primarily instrumental recording are not nearly as frustrated.
"Let's Conversate!" bounces alongside Jim Ridl's Fender Rhodes, while Kenny Davis holds down a... read more
Thomas Marriott - Constraints & Liberations
by Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
Thomas Marriott's fifth CD as a leader marks a substantial departure from his earlier efforts. Not only does he focus exclusively on originals for this session, but his approach to the trumpet has moved away from a forceful pop style to a more reserved, yet emotional technique. Tenor saxophonist Hans Teuber, pianist Gary Versace, bassist Jeff Johnson and drummer John Bishop make up the terrific supporting band. The tense post-bop vehicle... read more
Steve Million - What I Meant to Say
by Jack Bowers, All About Jazz
4-STARS A word that springs to mind when listening to pianist Steve Million's quartet is "tasteful." If the music sounds congenial as well, that is probably because "four friends" are performing it. Two of them (guitarist Steve Cardenas, drummer Ron Vincent) were among the Kansas City-based friends who comprised Million's quartet in that city before he moved to New York in 1981; the "new friend" is bassist John Sims who started gigging... read more
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