Browse some recent OA2 Reviews.
Cheryl Fisher - Quietly There
by Robert Rusch, Cadence
CHERYL FISHER's [voc] latest CD is QUIETLY THERE [OA2 22133]. Fisher has chosen 12 songs [54:33] for mood and meaning. Her concept was to create an album for a mellow mood, an "album, letting its mellow mood merge with your own" which may be possible if you don't pay attention to the lyrics where the meaning doesn't make one think mellow, but rather, melancholy. The tunes here are from The Great American Songbook. She contributes one original,... read more
Liam Sillery Quintet - Minor Changes
by Dan McClenaghan, All About Jazz
Trumpeter/flugelhornist Liam Sillery invites tenor saxophonist David Sills into the front line on this straightahead quintet outing for a sound reminiscent of Blue Note's heyday. The leader's musical mentors are Red Rodney, Ira Sullivan, and especially tenor man Joe Henderson. The influences show as the band opens with a lively Sillery original, "Minor Change," featuring some sparkling unison blowing to kick things off, leading into a... read more
Anthony Stanco - In the Groove: Live at the Alluvion
by Russ & Mike, Adult Music Podcast
The energy at the Alluvion really comes through on this recording. The program is a great mix of post-bop material featuring Anthony Stanco's originals, one each from Randy Napoleon and Jeff Haas, and a 60s tune from Duke Pearson. With Joe Farnsworth at the drums, things swing hard, but there's contrast with ballads and boogaloo. Stanco's tone is full and confident, and he blows well-constructed solos that match the mood of the tunes, from bop,... read more
Kyle Asche Organ Trio - The Hook Up
by Bill Milkowski, Jazz Times
Chicago-based guitarist Kyle Asche, a finalist in the 2005 Thelonius Monk Competition, honors the classic Hammond B-3 organ trio tradition while updating it with his own modern aesthetic. That balancing act is best achieved on the uptempo "For Those That Are There," which burns in an old-school manner while pushing the envelope harmonically, and also on the swinging "Hide Inside," which features a potent tenor-sax solo from guest Scott Burns.... read more
Greg Duncan Quintet - Unveiled
by Jim Shulstad, Jazz Review
Welcome Chicago trumpeter/composer Greg Duncan to the growing list of jazz artists. His compositional style, paired with his astounding playing will send Duncan toward the top of the list in a short time. Duncan studied at Washington State University and at the University of North Texas. He has toured with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, and is a regular performer at Chicago's Green Mill and Mercury Theater.
Duncan's quintet mixes thoughtful... read more
Jun Iida - Evergreen
by Michael Fagien, JAZZIZ
Editors' Choice Playlist Trumpeter and composer Jun Iida reflects his peripatetic life and unique musical influences on his debut album, Evergreen, featuring the straight-ahead, upbeat original "Gooey Butter Cake," paying homage to a sweet treat popular in St. Louis, where his journey began, in our playlist's conclusive... read more
Susan Reed - Thousands of Ways
by Tom Haugen, Take Effect
The violinist, vocalist and storyteller Susan Reed has enjoyed a diverse and exceptional career, and here she reflects on life, love, the pandemic and politics with help from Craig Wagner's guitar, David Friesen's bass and Stever Barnes' drums.
"Flying My Kite" starts the listen with warmly plucked strings, as Reed's comforting and eloquent voice guides the gentle climate, and "Fresco" follows with Reed's playful violin and the light... read more
Jeff Baker - Shopping For Your Heart
by Dan McClenaghan, All About Jazz
eff Baker's first major exposure came at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival, backed by the Lionel Hampton Trio. The vocalist was sixteen years old at the time. He'd won the Jazz Fest's solo vocal competion, and he had the word "promising" written all over him. He has since released three CDs on OA2, the promising Baker Sings Chet (2004), the excellent Monologue (2005), and now the near-perfect Shopping for Your Heart.
The "just play"... 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:
Lisanne Lyons - May I Come In
by Tom Haugen, Take Effect
Kate Olson - So It Goes
by Jon Davis, Exposé Online
Jun Iida - Bellflower
by Faith Alexis, Occhi Magazine
Kate Olson - So It Goes
by Tom Haugen, Take Effect
Gil Livni - All In
by Tom Haugen, Take Effect
Jun Iida - Bellflower
by Editor, Modern Drummer
Anna Kolchina - Reach for Tomorrow
by C. Michael Bailey, Wild Mercury Rhythm
Jun Iida - Bellflower
by Paul Rauch, All About Jazz
Jun Iida - Bellflower
by Editor, Jazz Chill
Jun Iida - Bellflower
by Jim Motavalli, Music Without Borders