Many, like Lanphere, are strong traditionalists. Other bands, like Todd Bishop s Flatland, lie on the more experimental, abstract fringe, while duos like Rick Mandyck and Gregg Keplinger journey through perilously naked terrain with only sax and drums. Recently added to the stable is tenor sax Yoshiyuki Yamanaka of Tokyo, whose Great Time is Origin s first international release. Many of Origin s artists are Bishop s friends and fellow musicians in the Seattle jazz scene. Because of Origin s collective arrangement, where financial liability is shouldered by both artist and producer, those on board can pursue their creative passions without compromise.
Artists pay their own studio, recording, and production costs.
Depending on the artist, roughly 1,000 copies of each release are made. Bishop, however, is the site of organization, coordinating artists and managing promotion, shows, and local marketing. Most importantly, he furnishes the cohesive, understated design that is Origin s stamp. I want them to look like a family, he says, cupping his hands. Matthew Jorgenson, Bishop s one time student, is Origin s webmaster, and compliments Bishop s design with web presence.