Browse some recent OA2 Reviews.
Rich Pellegrin - Solitude: Solo Improvisations
by Dan McClenaghan, All About Jazz
BEST OF 2021 Richard Pellegrin has previously recorded with his "two horns and a rhythm section" ensemble, fashioning a distinctive modern jazz sound of well-constructed, forward-leaning compositions. But, with Solitude, the pianist changes gears, a shift to an intimate, contemplative solo piano recording, shaping twenty-five cohesive freely improvised pieces entitled "Improvisation I" through "Improvisation XXV." The disc's title is... read more
Randy Napoleon - Puppets - The Music of Gregg Hill
by Raul Da Gama, Jazz da Gama
Randy Napoleon is not only one of the more admired guitarists today but he is also looked upon as a superb musician, much sought-after for his idiomatic interpretation of music. So it is hardly surprising that he would turn out one fine album of songs after the other. However, even by his own exacting standards this one - Puppets [The Music of Greg Hill] - is absolutely outstanding - both in themes and the exquisite artwork that... read more
Lolly Allen - Coming Home
by Georges Tonla Briquet, JazzHalo (Belgium)
It was Horace Silver who at the time penned 'The Hippest Cat In Hollywood' (here the opening track). Vibraphonist Lolly Allen fulfills that role with verve without tilting to camp or kitsch. "Straight jazz" coupled with Mancini traits, Brasiliana and West Coast cool performed by a stylish cast. Music that sounds like from the era when Alan Ladd and Rita Hayworth gave color to the black and white film world. The ideal starting point is a first... read more
Christian Eckert / Gary Versace / Matt Jorgensen - NY3
by Adam Greenberg, All Music Guide
A transatlantic session between Gary Versace and Matt Jorgensen on the American side, and German guitarist Christian Eckert on the European side. The album is a mix of new compositions from Eckert and standards from around the jazz spectrum, from Gershwin to Bacharach to Horace Silver.
Eckert has a sweet touch on the strings, bouncing from note to note in what sounds like a particularly enjoyable session. Versace holds his post well,... read more
Shawn Maxwell - New Tomorrow
by George W. Harris, Jazz Weekly
Shawn Maxwell brings his writing skills to team up with his band of Victor Garcia-Chad McCullough-Corey Wilkes/tp, Matt Nelson/key-p, Junius Paul/b and Phil Beale. He switches between alto sax and flute, the latter being used on the Latin "Whole Hearted Half the Time" and soulful and hip "Hitting Streak." Most of the time, he brings his alto to team up with Nelson's funky keyboards, having the team sound a bit fusion oriented on "Responsibility... read more
JazzVox - Jazzvox Presents: In Your Own Backyard
by Libby Graham, The Listening Room
The first-ever JazzVox CD In Your Own Backyard has been such a labor of love for Nich Anderson, host of the acclaimed JazzVox Concert Series, and its pure eloquence and charm will win over the hearts of many! Nich's intention was to showcase new studio recordings by many of the recent JazzVox artists, and he accomplishes this so perfectly with an innate sense of real beauty and an intimate understanding of each artist.
The order of... read more
Jay Lawrence - Thermal Strut
by George Fendel, Jazzscene, Nov 06
No, this is not another "drum record". It's a piano trio date for Tamir Hendelman, a polished pianist who has worked extensively with the Clayton Brothers. And Tamir has his bop chops in gear with Topsy, Love For Sale and Opus De Funk. And just to prove he can play the pretty stuff, try his composition, Almost Summer, or that by Lawrence, Eulogy. The two very pleasant surprises here were Jobim's Agua De Beber and Jimmy Rowles' miracle tune,... read more
Jun Iida - Evergreen
by John Arnett, London Jazz
"Evergreen" is the debut album of US trumpeter and flugelhorn player Jun Iida. The album was recorded in Los Angeles where he lived for five years, before recently moving to New York. Six of the ten compositions are his own originals, but all are reflective of both his Japanese heritage and his command and fluency in jazz composition and stylings, the two worlds being complementary and mutually enriching on this showing.
Several distinctive... read more
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