Guitarist John Moulder's multi-faceted and ambitious Earthborn Tales of Soul and Spirit derives inspiration from a variety of somewhat disparate sources. These include the works of legendary saxophonist John Coltrane, Trappist monk and social activist, Thomas Merton, and philanthropist Ruby Bridges.
The two-part "Ruby's Way" reflects the complementary duality of Moulder's sixth release as a leader. The expansive, almost symphonic... read more
The always impressive drummer John Bishop brings his inimitable sound to these 9 creative jazz tracks that welcome Piet Verbist and Bram Weijters.
The distinct tone of "Rücksichtslos" begins the listen with Bishop's innovative drumming alongside Weijters' flowing piano in the melodic climate, and "Trip The Light Fantastic" follows with more firm keys suiting the meticulous drum progressions.
Further along, the louder "Bull" allows... read more
Michael Dease's latest album, Found in Space: The Music of Gregg Hill, is a unique and creative journey through the mind of Michigan-based composer Gregg Hill, whose work deftly balances complexity with accessibility. Released by Origin Records on September 20, 2024, the album honors Hill's exceptional compositional voice, combining intricate counterpoint, shifting time signatures, and surprising harmonic textures with an ensemble of... read more
I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Bright Dawn, from Harvie S and it's light and flowing. Opening with Ghosts of Havana, Miki Hayama on Fender Rhodes creates the fabric on which Peter Bernstein builds the guitar rich melody. Matt Wilson holds a tight rein on the rhythm and Harvie S lays out a really nice solo on bass for a solid opener. Waltz For Vartan showcases Harvie leading the way on bass. Flowing guitar lead by... read more
Brazilian Pianist, Jovino Santos Neto left Rio de Janeiro and relocated to Seattle in 1993. He established himself at Cornish College of the Arts, a thriving incubator of creativity, since the early 1900s. Within weeks his reputation spread. Musicians from all over were drawn to Jovino's unique blend of Brazilian, classical and jazz music. Neto formed a group with his fellow faculty members. This 'live' recording captures the first public... read more
Not all piano trios are democracies--all too often, the bassist and drummer play second-fiddle roles. That's not the case the The Endless Mysteries, released last fall. Although the pianist and nominal leader, George Colligan, wrote all 10 tracks on this, his 24th album as leader, The Endless Mysteries reflects an equal partnership between himself, bassist Larry Grenadier and the drummer, the irrepressible Jack DeJohnette. This... read more
Matt Jorgensen is an unusual jazzman. He is young, he runs his band from the drum kit, he knows when to give and when to take within a song and he hasa rock aesthetic that lends intensity to his improvisations for 'The Road Begins Here.'
Sure, Jorgensen and company cover the expected numbers such as Miles Davis' 'Teo' and John Coltrane's 'Central Park West,' but where he and his bandmates are truly terrific is on their cover of Led... read more
If you watch any television at all it's a good bet you've heard Phil Kelly's sound. Kelly has worked for forty years as a composer/arranger in film and TV, including over 700 national TV commercials. For Convergence Zone Kelly has assembled some of the finest studio and jazz players in the Northwest for a swinging, sassy set of big band jazz.
The opener, "Damp Brown Places" ? a sendup of "Camp Town Races" ? sets an immediate tone for the... 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