Although drummer Jay Lawrence is the leader of this trio date and bassist Lynn Seaton is excellent in support, Thermal Strut is a success primarily due to the playing of pianist Tamir Hendelman. A major pianist based in Los Angeles who works with the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, Hendelman is brilliant throughout the modern mainstream set, whether romping on "Topsy" and "Opus De Funk," or sounding impressionistic on "Almost Summer" and... read more
The Austin resident and saxophonist Russell Haight is joined by Sean Giddings, Ryan Hagler and Daniel Dufour for 11 energetic and animated jazz tracks.
The lively and rhythmic title track opens the festivities with Haight's bright sax amid Dufour's flowing drums and Giddings' well timed keys, and "Rich In Heart" follows with a calmer mood, as Hagler's precise bass suits the rich and eloquent delivery.
Halfway through, "Mystic Bud" is a... read more
*Ringer of the Week* A meeting of minds and souls takes place with the duo of Brad Whiteley/org and Austin Walker/dr joining musical forces with Daniel Carter/wwinds-tp-p, William Parker/b-reeds-tp, Charlie Apicella/dr-perc and Juma Sultan/perc . There is a surfeit of various traditional reed, string and percussive instruments included here, including thins like Tibetan singing bowls, the ngoni and various shakers. Carter and Parker... read more
Pianist Rich Pellegrin creates a wide swath of post bop moods on this album with a core team of R. Scott Morning/tp, Neil Welch/ts, Evan Flory-Barnes/b, Chirs Icasiano/dr and a guest ensemble. The core team is able to peel off some impressive intricate bop work on the tricky "Trial" and give a nice bluesy feel to a Maiden Voyage-ish "Birthright." Welch's tenor is warm and breathy on the melancholic "Down" and Morning is glowing in the sunrise of... read more
Mark Quint is a singer/songwriter that brings to mind other vocalists in the jazz realm such as Mark Murphy, Kurt Elling, Bob Dorough, Mose Allison, Dave Frishberg, and especially to this listener, Michael Franks. These are singers who sing not only great interpretations of songs with an original approach and a unique vocal instrument, but also can perform original songs filled with intelligent and witty lyrics in a light and entertaining... read more
George Cotsirilos' meticulous and tasteful guitar work is marked by remarkably subtle shifts in accents, and minute changes in expression and dynamics. On Past Present, he also displays an impeccable sense of timing especially in revealing the hidden rhythms of complex melodies. His approach to harmony is whimsical, but patently beautiful at all times. He is fleet-fingered across the fret board and equally expressive as he plucks the... read more
Alexander Goodman's very impressive début album on Origin Records features elements from several musical genres including jazz, classical, folk, new age and a few touches of world music instrumentation. Playing both acoustic and electric guitars with backup instruments including cello, bass and vibraphone, combined with the exquisite vocals of Felicity Williams, this is a sublime yet all encompassing recording that encourages the listener to... read more
4-STARS Solidarity is an assured debut record by Colorado composer, arranger and trombonist Zach Rich - at points one's shocked that this his first foray into studio recording as a bandleader. Blending a full chamber jazz sound with influences from more-contemporary composers, Rich paints a vivid sonic tapestry that captivates from start to finish. Replete with skillful musicianship from players like Gavin Allen-Dunn and Austin... read more
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.
Randy Napoleon - Waking Dream
by Editor, Bman's Blues Report
Medler Sextet - River Paths
by Tom Haugen, Take Effect
Randy Napoleon - Waking Dream
by Editor, Modern Drummer
Anthony Stanco - In the Groove: Live at the Alluvion
by Russ & Mike, Adult Music Podcast
Ted Piltzecker - Peace Vibes
by Russ & Mike, Adult Music Podcast
Kelsey Mines - Everything Sacred, Nothing Serious
by Dee Dee McNeil, Musical Memoirs
Ted Piltzecker - Peace Vibes
by Dee Dee McNeil, Making a Scene
Ted Piltzecker - Peace Vibes
by Ferdinand Dupuis-Panther, Jazz'halo (Belgium)
Ted Piltzecker - Peace Vibes
by Jack Bowers, All About Jazz
Ben Markley - Tell the Truth
by Tom Haugen, Take Effect