Browse some recent OA2 Reviews.
Juli Wood - Synkka Metsa
by Dan McClenaghan, All About Jazz
When the subject of Finnish jazz is mentioned, the names Iro Haarla (piano), Vernie Pohjola (trumpet), Juhani Aaltonenen (saxophone) and Heikki Sarmanto could get tossed about as four from Finland who are producing superb recordings on TUM Records. The "Finnish sound" tends toward a reflective and often melancholy minor key mode, with smoldering freedom that at times flashes into roaring flame.
Chicago's Juli Wood - who plays multiple... read more
Stan Bock & The New Tradition - Feelin' It
by Tim Willcox, Jazz Society of Oregon
Portland jazz luminary, trombonist and composer Stan Bock pairs three of the city's most well know veterans (Bock on trombone, Renato Caranto, tenor sax and Tim Gilson, fretless electric bass) with three of the region's best young musicians (John Natsos on alto, soprano sax and bass clarinet, Clay Giberson on piano, and Chris Brown drums) for a sextet session comprised of re-worked standards, funky soul tunes and modern originals.
While many of... read more
Nathan Eklund Group - Coin Flip
by Adam Greenberg, All Music Guide
As Nathan Eklund rolls through a set of original compositions with a strong band from the New York scene, the trumpeter's fourth album does a fine job of melding eras of jazz. While the compositions are all new, the playing suggests two time periods simultaneously ? the focus on technique of contemporary instrumental jazz, and the virtuosity and power of the classic jazz era. The result is something of a modern post-bop. Pieces like "Happy's... read more
Afro Bop Alliance - Revelation
by Woodrow Wilkins, Smooth-Jazz (Germany)
Call it an audible adventure. The Afro Bop Alliance Big Band goes deep with Revelation (OA2 Records, 2016).
Joe McCarthy is the leader, and handles drums and percussion. Rolando Vazquez conducts three songs. The rhythm section is comprised of Harry Appleman, piano; Jim Roberts, guitar; Tom Baldwin and Oscar Stagnaro, bass; Samuel Torres, congas on three tracks; Ed Fast, vibraphone on three tracks; and Robert Quintero, percussion on four... read more
Ben Winkelman - Heartbeat
by Tom Haugen, Take Effect
The New York City pianist Ben Winkelman was awaiting the birth of his first child during the onset of the pandemic, and this 6th album draws from the ups and down of that time, where Gilad Hekselman, Matt Penman and Obed Calvaire are along for the 9 originals.
"Praise" leads the listen with gospel nods, as Winkelman's colorful keys and Hekselman's spirited guitar interact with much warmth, and "Fort Tilden" follows with a distinct dreaminess... read more
Kristen Strom - Moving Day: The Music of John Shifflett
by Dave Rogers, WTJU
Kristen Strom (soprano, alto, tenor sax, flute, clarinet) offers a beautiful tribute to her late friend and musical colleague by showcasing seven of his compositions and closing with a song of special significance for him. Scott Sorkin (guitar) and Ken Okada (bass) were also members of the quartet, which is completed by Jason Lewis (drums, percussion, vibes). There are several other musicians who guested as well: Dahveed Behroozi and John R.... read more
Gail Pettis - Here in the Moment
by Nicholas Bewsey, ICON
*****
Gail Pettis is a singer from the Seattle area who stepped into the jazz spotlight later in her life, only seriously turning to music in 2001 after a professional career. Her self-produced debut, May I Come In? was revelatory?hearing it for the first time was to discover a refreshing and fabulous new vocalist who made this listener a committed fan. It was a rare first recording that I still listen to and play for friends, who usually have... read more
Tucker Antell - Grime Scene
by Dan Bilawsky, All About Jazz
Tucker Antell knows how to make an entrance. The two-minute solo stand that opens Grime Scene finds his stentorian saxophone blowing brusque and fluid across a wide swath. It plays like a strong man's lament-cum-catharsis, but what follows on the same track is something else: a bluesy shuffle with foot tap-inducing properties. This marks the first of many welcome surprises on this pleasing debut.
While the pairing of tenor saxophone and... read more
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