Origin Records Reviews

George Colligan & Theoretical Planets - Risky Notion
by Rotcod Zzaj, Improvijazzation Nation

Here's a new one (for us, anyway)... George (the pianist) leading his Theoretical Planets band on drums... two tenor saxophone (Nicole Glover and Joe Mantis, Jon Lakey on drums and Tony Glausi on trumpet (3,4,5)... as I listen to the 8:15 "Con Woman", it's evident that his rhythm-keeping skills are just as healthy as his keyboard chops... the tune gives voice to each and every player, and they will "WOW" you! The opener, "Gorgasaurus", will... read more

Tad Britton - Cicada
by Dave Rogers, WTJU - Richmond

The title of this disc is concretely meaningful: Britton describes the life cycle of cicadas in his liner notes, emphasizing the wonder and mystery of the appearance and disappearance of these creatures and after acknowledging that no new really understands the functionality of this cycle, explains that these recordings having been dormant (missing, in fact) since 1992-93 have now emerged to share their impact and mystery with of the message... read more

Piet Verbist - Zygomatik
by Dave Sumner, emusic Review

An album that has all types of swagger and sway. Bassist Verbist creates a groove that is all about Serious Cool, yet undeniably thoughtful and even cerebral at times. Bram Weijters on the keys, which is a big bonus from a sideman standpoint. One of those albums that can appeal to modern jazz enthusiasts and old school jazz fans alike. Non-jazz reference: Fans of Morphine should take a listen to this. Highly... read more

Alon Farber Hagiga with Dave Douglas - The Magician: Live in Jerusalem
by Jim Motavalli, The New York City Jazz Record

Jazz albums recorded in New Jersey, that's pretty common, but we don't see many coming out of Jerusalem. The Israeli jazz scene is unquestionably continuing to grow, and the talent there is top-notch. For The Magician: Live in Jerusalem, saxophonist Alon Farber has put together a great septet, one that sounds like a much larger band. And a visit from American trumpeter Douglas—who loves international sounds—is certainly a big bonus:... read more

Mimi Fox Organ Trio - One for Wes
by Tom Haugen, Take Effect

The esteemed guitarist Mimi Fox pays tribute to the late, great Wes Montgomery on the 100th anniversary of his birth, where Brian Ho brings his Hammond B3 Organ and Lorca Hart sits behind the drum kit for the 8 diverse tracks.

"Mr. White's Blues" opens the listen with the frisky drums, spirited guitar and playful keys in the indeed blues-friendly sounds, and "Moanin'" follows with intimate guitar playing in a soulful, reflective... read more

Cathy Segal-Garcia - SOCIAL ANTHEMS, VOLUME 1
by Tom Haugen, Take Effect

The Los Angeles vocalist Cathy Segal-Garcia brings us back to songs from the '60s and '70s here, where the strong lyrical content suits the many problems we are dealing with in today's society, and she's got Anthony Wilson, Josh Nelson, Lorca Hart, Edwin Livingston, Paul Jost and Mon David to help her on the aptly titled album.

"For What It's Worth", by Stephen Stills, starts the listen with soft piano and warm guitar as Segal-Garcia's... read more

Richard Sussman - Live at Sweet Rhythm
by David Franklin, Cadence

Thirty-one years ago, pianist-composer Richard Sussman released an LP (2/79, p. 54) that became something of an
underground Post-Bop classic. To celebrate Free Fall's CD release in 2003, Sussman reconstituted most of the original group (saxist Larry Schneider didn't make it) for a two-night gig at New York's Sweet Rhythm.

Although between the 1979 recording and the 2003 one, trumpeter Harrell, tenorist Bergonzi, bassist Richmond, and... read more

Doug Lofstrom - Concertino: The Music Of Doug Lofstrom
by Daniel Coombs, Audiophile Audition

**** (4-stars)
Composer and bassist Doug Lofstrom has been composing prolifically since the 1970s. His diverse scores reflect his ongoing involvement in theater, dance, film and symphonic music. In the 1990s, he was composer-in-residence for the Metropolis Symphony Orchestra and during the 80s, musical director of Chicago?s Free Street Theatre. His works have been performed by the St. Louis, Atlanta and Oregon Symphony Orchestras, and... read more

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