Browse some recent Origin Reviews.
Rich Thompson - Less Is More
by John Barron, The Jazz Word
Drummer Rich Thompson is the driving force behind this propulsive quartet recording that features a choice selection of tunes and exceptional soloists. Trumpeter Terell Stafford adds an element of fire to Kenny Dorham's "Lotus Blossom" and eloquence to the ballad "It's Easy to Remember." Doug Stone's tenor saxophone replaces Stafford on a couple of tracks. His soloing is characterized by warmth and a free-flowing approach to phrasing,... read more
Metropolitan Jazz Octet - The Bowie Project
by Jeff Becker, Jazz Sensibilities
When legends from disparate realms converge, the outcome is either a harmonious melding or a discordant mismatch. Metropolitan Jazz Octet's (MJO) The Bowie Project, under the spellbinding vocals of Paul Marinaro, ventures into a daunting territory: fusing the rock genius of David Bowie with the intricate rhythms of chamber jazz. The outcome is an enthralling tribute, reverberating with the known and the novel.
Diving deep into Bowie's... read more
Kelly Brand Nextet - The Door
by Neil Tesser, JazzIs
The latest and best album by Chicago pianist and composer Kelly Brand. Brand brings an understated beneficence to her music: when she backs other players, she offers dark full chords, while her own solos are thoughtful, uncluttered affairs ? good stories told simply and well. Her narratives have another advantage in that they are always backed by Kelly Sill, one of the finest bass players of his generation ? and also Kelly Brand's husband. The... read more
Eric Jacobson - Discover
by Jack Bowers, All About Jazz
4-STARS If trumpeter Eric Jacobson's name doesn't ring a bell, it could be because he is based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, not in New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles or any other jazz mecca. What's more, Jacobson has not recorded often; Discover is only his second date as leader or co-leader. Hindrances aside, Jacobson's is a name with which one should become familiar, as he is an excellent trumpeter and composer, and Discover is splendid... read more
Marc Bernstein & Good People - Hymn For Life
by Ivan Rod, Gaffa - Denmark
Marc Bernstein, Sinne Eeg and Co. have with sensuous textures, created a monstrously beautiful vocal jazz album.
The resident American jazz saxophonist and bass-clarinetist, Marc Bernstein, has repeatedly shined on his previous albums, and he does it yet again on his new album, Hymn For Life, which is alluringly beautiful and melodic. A feature of the album is the airy presence, and very woody sounding bass clarinet that clings sensually up... read more
Sarah Partridge - Bright Lights and Promises: Redefining Janis Ian
by Chris Spector, Midwest Record
If Partridge wasn't the art chick with loads extra, we'd have to be scratching our heads wondering why a jazz tribute to Janis Ian. Well, Partridge brings in Allen Farnham to help with the music and brings in Ian herself to co-write some new ones. Take that homage makers! Long after you've taken Ian for granted, this revival does more than pump air into her lungs. Making music and taking risks? What a concept. Turn your ears Partridge's... read more
Randy Halberstadt - Flash Point
by Tim Taylor, Audiophile Audition
Pianist Randy Halberstadt is a major player in the Pacific Northwest Jazz Scene. Flash Point is another fine presentation of post-bop jazz coming out of Seattle. Randy recorded this album with his working trio of Jeff Johnson-bass and Mark Ivester ? drums adding Mark Taylor ? alto sax and Thomas Marriott - trumpet to make it a quintet. Randy composed six of the nine songs recorded.
Flash Point begins with "Rigenia" and... read more
Geof Bradfield - Our Roots
by Peter Margasak, Downbeat
4-STARS! An offer to revisit a classic jazz album for a Chicago concert series led saxophonist Geof Bradfield to return his attention to one of his favorite records. The experience was so good it became the germ for his superb new quintet album, on which he pays homage to the legendary blues and folk singer Lead Belly via tenor man Clifford Jordan, who made a Lead Belly tribute album for Atlantic in 1965.
Bradfield widened the scope... read more
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