Browse some recent Origin Reviews.
Q.E.D. - yet what is any ocean...
by Adam Greenberg, All Music
A collaboration between vibraphonist Ben Thomas (already an established artist with Origin Records), pianist Alex Chadsey, and trombonist Chris Stover, Q.E.D. is seemingly an effort at exploratory composition. The trio takes turns presenting compositions throughout Yet What Is Any Ocean..., showcasing different elements of the bandmembers' performance abilities as well as different elements of their musical inspirations. Thomas' "Put the Ball in... read more
Rodney Whitaker - Outrospection: The Music of Gregg Hill
by Paul Rauch, All About Jazz
4-STARS Bassist Rodney Whitaker grew out of the Detroit jazz tradition, paying dues along the way on the road with the likes of Terence Blanchard, Roy Hargrove, Wynton Marsalis and Kenny Garrett. His hard-driving style personifies modern post-bop jazz, with his dedication to tradition acting as a catalyst rather than a deterrent from innovation.
On Outrospection, Whitaker continues his work with under-the-radar, Michigan composer... read more
Greg Yasinitsky - YAZZ Band: New Normal
by Lance Liddle, Bebop Spoken Here
Back in 2018 I was impressed by Yasinitsky's recording - Yazz Band - in fact it was one of my Big Band CDs of the Year. After first listen, this one could also be in with a shout although, despite there being 16 names listed, it is actually a collective grouping with the various units ranging from 7 - 9 pieces and, truth to tell, due to the pandemic some weren't even there at all but recorded their part at home which, in some cases was Los... read more
Jim Knapp Orchestra - It's Not Business, It's Personal
by Chris Spector, Midwest Review
A 2009 date from one of the great modern jazz insiders that can wrap a big band around his little finger, no less than Maria Schneider confirms all this in doing her part to help make his work get wider renown. This is a highly right on stop to make for jazz orchestra that almost the last word on the subject. Great playing and writing... read more
Clarence Penn - Monk: The Lost Files
by James Hale, Downbeat
If you were unaware of Clarence Penn's sharp, creative work with trumpeter Dave Douglas, or his years of empathetic, intelligent playing as a member of Maria Schneider's orchestra, you could be forgiven for assuming that Monk: The Lost Files was one too many recordings of Thelonious Monk classics. Penn's audacious interpretation of "Well You Needn't" quickly lays any reservations to rest. All stuttering beats and slippery... read more
Matt Jorgensen +451 - Quiet Silence
by Gordon Todd, Earshot Jazz, August 2001
Drummer Matt Jorgensen need not worry about the pitfall of the sophomore slump with his second release as a leader, Quiet Silence. It contains some of the freshest and most honest playing on any jazz CD this year. Jorgensen and his band, 451, play complex, progressive music but make it sound as natural as breathing.
Unlike some bands led from the drum kit, Jorgensen and 451 showcase the music, not the percussionist. While an imaginative and... read more
Benjamin Boone - The Poets Are Gathering
by Editor, The Jazz Page
NOTEABLES: Saxophonist Benjamin Boone fuses jazz with spoken words in a collection of pieces speaking to the challenges of our times. The project features the musical talents joined with some truly outstanding poets and words delivered to impacting effect. Incredible... read more
Joe Locke - Subtle Disguise
by Raul da Gama, JazzDaGama
Despite the word "subtle" in it title Joe Locke is almost completely all brimstone and fire on Subtle Disguise, but this is far from the anger that he is almost certainly fighting against in America. Rather it's the lyric kind of "rage, rage, against the dying of the light" that the great Welsh port Dylan Thomas urged in his great villanelle "Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night". In reality, while Mr Locke has a singular, sinewy approach to... read more
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