New Origin: The Poets Walk

FUNDACJA SLUCHAJ [RELEASED APRIL 5, 2025]

There is something familiar about The Poet’s Walk, the latest release from the group of New Origin. Perhaps it’s the close musical relationship that has existed between bassist Joe Fonda and drummer Harvey Sorgen since their early days in the Fonda/Stevens Group. Or perhaps it’s the spirit of Perry Robinson who continues to inspire clarinetist Christophe Rocher much like he did on the group’s 2019 release. Or is it the snatches of familiar melodies such as Fonda’s “I’ve Been Singing” and “Song for my Mother” that weave their way into the six freely improvised tunes. Don’t worry, wth musicians such as Fonda, Rocher and Sorgen, familiarity does not result in complacency. They are masters at developing musical statements into musical structures built on a variety of textures, colors and rhythms. On the opening track, “Vers le soir,” Rocher swoops, swoons and soars over a free-wheeling bass/drum improvisation which morphs into the strong beat and melody of “I’ve Been Singing.” Rocher employs a more prayer-like mood on the serene “Abandonne toi.” Fonda’s extended bass solo opens the meditative-to-complex feel of “a ton double destin.” A little bop melody and the free interplay between Fonda on flute and Rocher are the highlights on “Habiter le coeur du paysage.” “Et faire signe” opens with Rocher’s freewheeling clarinet leading into another bop-infused passage which speeds up to a frantic pace thanks to the powerful playing of Fonda and Sorgen The deep, dark playing of Rocher and the streel drum sound of Sorgen gives “Aux filantes e toiles” an ominous mood only to reach its conclusion with Rocher’s hopeful ending notes. Get familiar with the familiar and unfamiliar that makes any recording by New Origin (Fonda, Sorgen and Rocher) a must have for fans of modern jazz.

BOTTOM LINE: The Poet’s Walk seems like an appropriate title for New Origin’s second release. After all, it has many of the elements one would find in the best poetry — rhythm, flow and emotion. There are few better musical poets than bassist Joe Fonda, drummer Harvey Sorgen and clarinetist Christophe Rocher to author such a recording.