Browse some recent OA2 Reviews.
Jeremy Levy Jazz Orchestra - The Planets: Reimagined
by Bobby Reed, Downbeat
EDITOR'S PICK For more than 100 years, music fans have been swooning over The Planets. The first public concert of Gustav Holst's seven-movement masterpiece occurred in 1920, when the London Symphony Orchestra performed it under the direction of conductor Albert Coates. It would become one of the most recognizable works of Western classical music, generating numerous landmark recordings, including conductor Herbert von Karajan's... read more
Todd DelGiudice - Pencil Sketches
by Ric Bang, Jazz Scan
Back when jazz was in its prime, most artists were lucky if they finished high school before entering the profession. If college even entered their scene, it was after dues had been paid on the road and, if talented enough, they had become a star with a big band.
The opposite often is the case with today's musicians; they earn multiple degrees in universities that usually offer both jazz- and classical-oriented courses, and then become teachers... read more
Errol Rackipov - Distant Dreams
by Dick Metcalf, Improvijazzation
There's really nothing "distant" about Errol's superb jazz vibraphone work on this excellent release... I've loved his work ever since I reviewed his group in issue # 155, and this album makes that impression even stronger... he's joined by a stellar cast of players... Lubomir Gospodinov - Tenor sax and Soprano sax; David Leon - Alto sax; Martin Bejerano - Piano; Peter Slavov - Acoustic bass and Ludwig Afonso - Drums all work together... read more
Kelley Johnson - Something Good
by Ron Weinstock, In a Blue Mood
There is a warmth and a genial, sensual quality to Kelley Johnson's vocals. Her latest CD, "Something Good," has her wonderful interpretations of ten musical gems backed by a trio, including her husband, John Hansen on piano, Michael Glynn on bass, and Kendrick Scott on piano. Jay Thomas adds his horn (saxophone or trumpet to three songs.
She has such a delightful voice as she cleanly delivers the lyrics with flawless pitch, and fluid... read more
Chris Amemiya & Jazz Coalescence - In the Rain Shadow
by Michael G. Nastos, Cadence
The Origin/OA2 labels consistently present solid mainstream bop oriented jazz, and this disc from trombonist Chris Amemiya - his first as a leader - certainly fills the bill. It�s an enjoyable program of melodic and for the most part hard swinging music sure to please listeners who like their jazz with few frills and surprises without being shocking. Amemiya - not displayed himself as a composer on this date - is for the most part understated,... read more
Kronomorfic - Entangled
by Brent Black, Bop-N-Jazz
Forward thinking, cutting edge yet wildly accessible ... an impressionistic journey that cuts through tradition ... a journey to a new land of rhythm and groove ... an organic deconstruction of lyrical time and space ... at times... read more
Electric Squeezebox Orchestra - Cheap Rent
by Jack Bowers, All About Jazz
Yes, the name is intriguing - but what should one expect musically from the San Francisco-based Electric Squeezebox Orchestra? Bits and pieces of a number of disparate elements, really, from straight-ahead contemporary motifs to shuffle beats and old-line swing, from down-home New Orleans rhythms to throwback grooves from the '70s and even a seductive ballad. What matters most is that every number is capably performed by an ensemble comprised... read more
Danny Green - Altered Narratives
by Justin Cober-Lake, Dusted Magazine
If the opening of the Danny Green Trio's new album nods to Bill Evans and reflects the way that tradition carries a strong role in pianist Green's compositions and playing, the title Altered Narratives suggests that there's more going on here than just a new entry in the trad jazz storyline.
Any gamesmanship in the album comes across less as a commentary on narrative and more through Green's persistent playfulness. That opening track... read more
Looking for a specific review?
This is just a small collection of the OA2 Records reviews. Click here to view all reviews or try to Search for your favorite CD title.
Search Reviews:
Recently Added Reviews:
Francesco Crosara - Circular Motion
by AKSHAJ TUREBYLU, Earshot Jazz
Jun Iida - Evergreen
by Editor, Bman's Blues Report
Zach Rich - Solidarity
by Jack Bowers, All About Jazz
Paul Tynan & Aaron Lington - Bicoastal Collective: Chapter Five
by George Harris, Jazz Weekly
Paul Tynan & Aaron Lington - Bicoastal Collective: Chapter Five
by j. poet, DownBeat Magazine
Francesco Crosara - Circular Motion
by David Witter, Fra Noi Magazine
Francesco Crosara - Circular Motion
by Jan van Leersum, RootsTime.BE (Belgium)
Francesco Crosara - Circular Motion
by Matt Micucci, JAZZIZ
Ben Winkelman - Heartbeat
by Tom Haugen, Take Effect
Darden Purcell - Love's Got Me in a Lazy Mood
by Tom Haugen, Take Effect