The Seattle-based Origin Records (and its subsidiary OA2) is making a strong name for itself with impressive and original jazz material. Here are three of the latest releases.
Tom Collier plays vibes, marimba, piano, drums and bass synthesizer all by his lonesome on this mix of standards and originals. He’s a one man band on the bouncy take of “Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise” and the deftly swinging “Five Brothers” and can create a full bodied funk on his own “Orbital Dance.” His vibes can glow and chime on “Little Green Thing” and “Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most” while on marimba he sets a nice mood on the pulsating “Double Bars.” A lyrical atmosphere sounds like sparkling stars on “God Only Knows/Here There And Everywhere” in which Collier shows how less can be more. Impressive.
The gents Will Campbell/as, Matt Olson/ts, Vern Sielert/tp, Michael Cocour/p, Jon Hamar/b and Dom Moio/dr add to the hard bop tradition on this collection of originals. The rhythm team shows its ability to crate some frenetic grooves as on “Unhinged” and the bopping “Squiggles” while Hamar’s bass lopes on “Scout, No Doubt” and serves up an impressive boogaloo on “Down South.” The three horns create some wondrous harmonies during “Too Deep “which also serves as a vehicle for Olson’s warm tenor. Campbell gives his horn some time in the spotlight along with Kocour’s bouncing piano on”Far From East” while Sielert’s trumpet shines along with Moio’s sashaying brushes on “Clarity.” Lots to like here.
Drummer Michael Waldrop leads a hefty 17 piece band along with a handful of guests on this rich collection of originals. The moods mix from a fusion “ TUnnell Vision which features Jim Tunnell’s electric guitar to full and glowing harmonies which feature Walddrop on vibes for “Inner Truth.” A clever military march includes Sandra Dudley’s vocals and Tim Ishii’s alto on “Her Moon Rises East” and some Bill Evans Trio inspired piano work is highlighted on “Time Within Itself.” Impressive charts that are both sophisticated yet fun to enjoy for their own sake.
Origin Records
OA2 Records