“for those whose ears and hearts are open to fresh sounds and experiences, (WALDROP) offers myriad treasures to cherish.”-
ALL ABOUT JAZZ
TIME WITH ITSELF REVIEWS:
“.….this auspicious debut bristles with a visceral post-Weather Report energy that brings big bands into new light.”- Bill Milkowski
4 Stars -"Cooper's charts are impressive, the ensemble equally so in its allegiance to unraveling their finer points. Waldrop anchors a sturdy rhythm section (Snyder, bassist Carl Hillman, guitarist Chris Derose-Chiffolo) that lends brass and reeds unflagging support.”- Jack Bowers AAJ
ORIGIN SUITE REVIEWS:
Jeff Tamarkin (Music Journalist)
Origin Suite accomplishes what so few contemporary big band albums are able to: It projects an intimacy, even as it opens vista upon vista and layer upon layer. So in sync are Michael Waldrop and his uniformly superb crew that - even at its most expansive, even as its soloists present their personalized statements and as its charts enter uncharted worlds - there's a singularity of vision throughout. A plethora of emotions, textures and languages reside within these dozen compositions, from the blistering elation that blasts from the opening passages of "La Jungla" till "Still Life" gently takes its leave more than an hour later. With so much to savor, so many new delights saying hello with each new listen, Origin Suite is a truly sweet original. Additionally, the audio engineering is crazy good..it's the kind of recording you want to use to test your audio equipment on.
Jazzenzo (Netherlands) (David Cohen)
Composer, percussionist and vibraphonist Michael Waldrop defines music as follows: "a serious ordering of sound that strives to send messages to the listener, which can not be communicated by spoken or written language". From someone who has formed such clear thoughts about nature and the task of music one is inclined to expect a lot of good things.
The 'Origin Suite' amply satisfies these expectations. Waldrop guides the listener through a landscape that covers a hundred years of jazz history and packs that history in a consistent, uniform yet non-monotonous style…..'Origin Suite' is the work of a skilled, versatile and progressive musician who has surrounded himself with a remarkably large number of professionals for his album. Although Waldrop is clearly the band leader, he proceeds without putting his own game too emphatically in the foreground or his own ability to run away. Such an attitude is also evident from the biography on his web page: "As is true for any serious musician, Michaels' most true musical career can be heard in his music and performances." If it is true that the style is man himself, Waldrop deserves admiration for his musicians and for the result.
Jazz Journal (London) (Brian Morton)
4-STARS The heart sinks a little at the threat of a concept suite celebrating the span of human history, then bucks a little with the thought that there have been some very good ones: Mingus's Pithecanthropus Erectus, Grachan Moncur III's Evolution, George Russell's The African Game…… Waldrop doesn't parade his eclecticism. It just seems to come naturally to him, which is why a set that could have seemed impossibly bitty and unstructured, whatever its episodic excitements, actually works beautifully as a unit and maintains an impressive head of steam for well over an hour. As the huge personnel implies, though the actual record in no way betrays, Origin Suite was recorded in many different locations and on different dates, with a shifting personnel and much use of overdubs. It's remarkable how seamless and entire it all sounds. A very impressive project and one to shelve among the keepers, alongside Waldrop's fine earlier Time Within Itself.
Modern Drummer (Ilya Stemkovsky)
Origin Suite is a swinging, grooving big band disc with drummer, vibraphonist, and composer Michael Waldrop adding thoughtful support under some fine frontline solos. Waldrop works out over the Latin flavors of "Origin Suite: 3) Al Final de la Noche" with sensitivity and wonderfully controlled snare and tom interplay.
TIME FRAMES: REVIEWS:
4-Stars “Easy to appreciate, hard to categorize and impossible to ignore, Time Frames is a testament to one exceptional percussionist's determination, skill and creative vision.”- Dan Bilawsky, All About Jazz
4 ½ Stars- Top 50 Recordings of 2021. “Time Frames reveals an unseen facet of Waldrop's musical individuality in this departure from his previous three albums of jazz.” RJ Lambert, All Music Guide
TRIANGULARITY REVIEWS:
3 ½ Stars- “The trio is interactive, and there is a joy to their playing that can be heard and felt. Girshevich's motif development during his solo is rife with enjoyment. Waldrop's polyrhythms and accents push the energy.”- Geannine Reid, All About Jazz
8/10-“A record that climbed the Jazz Charts pretty quickly, it’s not surprising when you consider the strong fusion and post-bop components to Waldrop’s inimitable formula.”….“Longing”, the longest tune, flows with timeless melodies in the cautious landscape as Waldrop’s strong drumming prowess really shines,- Take Effect
"Drummer Michael Waldrop leads a trio from behind with pianist Vlad Girshevich and bassist Eric Thorn on a collection of self-penned tunes. Hints of vintage Bill Evans trio is felt…..Strong modern moods with a classic feel." George Harris, Jazz Weekly
“Waldrop shows a clear concept of the contemporary direction of jazz drumming. His versatility is impressive. Waldrop's compositions are fresh, poignant and interesting. Pianist Girshevich has an excellent harmonic sense. I recommend ”Triangularity" to any fan of contemporary jazz"- Legendary jazz educator and pianist Dan Haerle