Browse some recent Origin Reviews.
Bill Anschell - Figments
by Chris Robinson, Outside-Inside-Out
Pianist Bill Anschell's latest CD, Figments, is his first solo recording, and I've included it on my Best of 2011 list. It's a wonderfully introspective, beautiful, and at times haunting album that he recorded late at night in his home studio. Below is a lengthy conversation we had recently over email in which we talked about his new album, the current state of jazz economics, the scene in Seattle, and his upcoming electronic music project.... read more
Vasilic Nenad - Folk Songs
by Denai Burbank, Jazz Review
This CD is quite an education. There's power in music of one's homeland. Somehow, it transcends all opinions, criticisms, language and cultural limitations.
Vasilic Nenad and his Balkan Band give us an "ear" view into his culture. These folk songs are all native to the former Yugoslavia (Balkans). The jazz interpretation is something else. Collectively, the musicians show their love and share it with you, the listener.
Each track has... read more
Giacomo Gates - Centerpiece
by Richard Mayer, Espresso Jazz
With the release of this third CD, Giacomo Gates has made it obvious that he has a focused and consistent concept of who he is and what he does. There is no other male vocalist on the scene today whose commitment to the genre of vocalese is so steadfast, both in honoring its past and in helping to defining its future. I have had the privilege of talking music with Gates on a couple of occasions, and his command and knowledge of the history is... read more
Hal Galper & the Youngbloods - Live at the Cota Jazz Festival
by Bob Bernotas, Just Jazz
Pianist Hal Galper calls his music "Rubato Style." It's free yet formal, lyrical yet rhythmic, soloist-centered yet collectively-based. But beyond all that, it's an intriguing and colorful concept that draws you in and carries you away. In this 2016 performance Galper and three protégés — alto saxophonist Nathan Bellott, bassist Dean Torrey, drummer David Frazier — dig deeply to mine musical riches from three originals and Gordon Jenkins'... read more
Alex Graham - Brand New
by George Fendel, Platter Chatter
I must admit that the first thing that caught my eye on this CD was, with apologies, not the name Alex Graham, but the names Jim Rontondi (trumpet); Steve Davis (trombone); David Hazeltine (piano); Rodney Whitaker (bass); and Carl Allen (drums). When you're in that kind of musical company, it's a pretty fair bet you too have what it takes. And Alex Graham shows there's no doubt on an array of interesting tunes ranging from a couple high flying... read more
Sonando - Tres
by Adam Greenberg, All Music Guide
Here's an interesting item. A Latin jazz release from Seattle. What makes it interesting is that Sonando is able to incorporate both the idioms of Latin jazz and the subtlety and grace that's fast becoming the hallmark of the Northwest jazz scene. The pieces here are a mix of originals and pieces from around the jazz world (Wayne Shorter, Horace Silver, Abdullah Ibrahim), rearranged as needed to fit the desired style. It's the seamless... read more
Jeff Johnson - Tall Stranger
by Peter Monaghan, Earshot Jazz
Re-corded back in 2002, Tall Stranger opens with two group improvisations in which the players - Johnson, California drummer Billy Mintz, and treasured Seattle hornman Hans Teuber - feel each other out and enter an oblique, moody realm of light and shadow.
These are three superbly exploratory players. Mintz is a drummer like no other - he measures his attack as if determined to bruise no drumhead unless absolutely necessary; he caresses the... read more
David Friesen Circle 3 Trio - Interaction
by Doug Ramsey, Rifftides
Among the dozens of recent releases that deserve serious attention, a few will get it. Among those those receiving it here is bassist David Friesen's new album. From the Portland, Oregon, sinecure in which he thrives when he's not touring the world, bassist Friesen has been performing at home and abroad with his Circle 3 Trio. They are Friesen on bass and Charlie Doggett or Reuben Bradley playing drums. They live in Portland, Oregon, for many... read more
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