OA2 Records Reviews



Kronomorfic - Entangled
by LMNOP aka dONW7, babysue.com

Kronomorfic is a San Diego-based modern jazz ensemble created and led by David Borgo (saxophone) and Paul Pellegrin (drums). According to the band's web site, the group is "dedicated to the exploration of polymetric time." Being the kinda ignorant folks that we are (not knowing the meaning of such a word)...we decided to look this one up. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary polymetric means "relating to, exhibiting,... read more

Michael Kocour - East of the Sun
by George W Harris, Jazz Weekly

Pianist Michael Kocour goes solo on this rich and classy collection wide ranging standards. His touch is clean, but his approach is calm and relaxed as he gently pulses out "East of the Sun" and a dreamy "Stardust." His read of " I've Got A Right to Sing the Blues" is gently regretful, while he gets coy on "Sweet Lorraine" and has fun with a cozy "I'm Coming Virginia." His left hand does some rich explorations on "Who Cares?" and he pulls out a... read more

Jim Olsen - We See Stars
by Jack Bowers, AllAboutJazz.com

For We See Stars, Oregon-based composer / arranger Jim Olsen has pared his usual big band down to a more manageable tentet but hasn't lessened the ebullience and ingenuity that are invariably a part of Olsen's broad palette. The album, Olsen says, evolved from a casual post-concert conversation in which he asked trumpeter Bobby Shew and saxophonist Dick Oatts, longtime friends and colleagues who had performed and recorded together in... read more

Chris Parker - Full Circle
by Dan McClenaghan, All About Jazz

Pianist Chris Parker 's second CD release on OA2 Records. Full Circle, sounds like an exciting live set full of vigorous life, something that engages the crowd and gets them up out of their seat, dancing. It's a quintet - common enough in jazz - with the uncommon use of violin in the front line beside the saxophone, reeling out unison lines with the horn, or stepping out in sinuous solo slots.

John Nastos is the alto sax guy who breaks out... read more

Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra - Invitation
by Chris Spector, Midwest Record

From an idea to an institution in half a dozen short years, this region big band's debut is an accomplished, high water mark kind of date that shows what happens when you corral the crème of the crop and let them play their hearts out in their own way. A totally right on date that is in the tradition without sounding dated, they breathe new life into the oldies pulling them from various sources and quadrants. They do more than hit the right... read more

Lynn Baker Quartet - Azure Intention
by James Nadal, All About Jazz

From the opening bass lines of "Color Line" on Azure Intention, it is evident that saxophonist Lynn Baker's Quartet comes out swinging and grooving. But there is also a captivating sense of sophistication, thoughtfully played into the selections.

Baker -- ?who doubles deftly on both soprano and tenor saxophones -- composed all of Azure Intention's eight tracks, each performed with enough time and space as to allow the musicians... read more

Amy Stephens - My Many Moods
by Peter Westbrook, Jazz Review

The third release by pianist/composer Amy Stephens provides further confirmation that jazz has matured sufficiently as an art form to serve as a vehicle for very different, very individual moods and feelings. With a background that includes classical training, study with jazz educator David Baker, and experience as music director for various churches, Amy has developed a very personal mode of expression within the jazz genre, expressed as much... read more

AJ Kluth - Anvils & Broken Bells
by Adam Greenberg, All Music Guide

Chicago has had an experimental streak in its jazz for some time, with classic free jazz masters (like the Art Ensemble of Chicago) built from the electric blues that hailed from the city. A.J. Kluth's second outing for OA2 shows a new combination of Chicago influences. With a focus on space, pacing, and timbre more than melody, Anvils and Broken Bells manages to become a sonically interesting set. The horns may honk their way through a piece's... read more

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