Browse some recent OA2 Reviews.
Chamber 3 - Grassroots
by , Jazziz
Despite their moniker, Chamber 3 sounds more like an intimate jazz band than a chamber ensemble on Grassroots, their latest recording. And they utilize four musicians, not three. But these digressions are points in their favor, from a jazz lover's perspective. From the jump, the group offers a cool-jazz sound with a modern flavor. The compatible tones of guitarist Christian Eckert and saxophonist Steffen Weber combine in subtle and... read more
Jun Iida - Bellflower
by Thierry De Clemensat, Paris Move
5-STARS - Jun Iida's Bellflower Turns Memory, Migration and Jazz Tradition Into Something Strikingly Modern
While rain tap dances against the pavement outside, the studio glows with the muted amber light of late evening. Coffee cups sit half-finished beside tangled cables, and somewhere behind the mixing board a producer quietly nods along to the music filling the room. Then the trumpet of Jun Iida cuts through the atmosphere... read more
Jim Olsen - We See Stars
by Chris Spector, Midwest Record
For his latest release, the composer pares things down from his usual big band stuff to accommodate of nonet of stars and pals and pals who are stars. The result is a killer, atavistic, west coast jazz date. Hot, happening, swinging stuff, this is sitting down jazz at it�s finest. With loads of utterly cool blowing from the densely packed wind section, you�d have to be in a coma not to feel this groove. Hot stuff... read more
Jun Iida - Evergreen
by Giuseppe Maggioli, Windout Magazine (Italy)
Pindaric flights, experimental tones and a mosaic of improv/jazz atmospheres await us in this new album by Jun Iida (trumpet) mixed by the wizard of 'sound' Rich Breen. Among the leading figures in the New York neo jazz scene, Iida grinds creative projects, while his fine 'effects' welcome Mother Africa with a sparkling contemplative embrace of modern funk flavour. Trumpeter Jun Iida's warm and inviting tone, clever composition choices and his... read more
Jeff Baker - Of Things Not Seen
by C Michael Bailey, All About Jazz
How Jeff Baker avoided full coverage at All About Jazz is beyond me, but now is a fine time to write this wrong. In 2009, Baker took a professional and stylistic chance in producing a jazz treatment of songs from the American Christian Songbook, Of Things Not Seen. He had worked up to this bold statement with his preceding recordings: Baker Sings Chet (OA2, 2004); Monologue (OA2, 2005); and Shopping for Your Heart (OA2, 2007). Proving deft and... read more
Will St Peter / Steven Heffner / Steve Barnes - Honestly
by Dan McClenaghan, All About Jazz
Henry Mancini's song "Days Of Wine and Roses" is a classy bit of music. Written for the 1962 movie of the same name, it was much recorded, most successfully by vocalist Andy Williams. And, for jazz aficionados, guitarist Wes Montgomery served up a superb version on his Boss Guitar (Riverside Records, 1963).
The album Honestly, by guitarist Will St Peter, bassist Steven Heffner and drummer Steve Barnes, opens with the Mancini gem, in a fashion... read more
Mark Quint - The Principle of Uncertainty
by Dick Crockett, Sacramento Radio
Vocalist, lyricist MARK QUINT is next with his new THE PRINCIPLE OF UNCERTAINTY. Quint reflects with beauty and melodrama, a Lord Byron of modern music, his voice resembling Michael Franks. These are the poets that strike the right chord in a woman's heart, Certainly a very laid back Gino Vannelli. This CD violates much of corporate radio protocol. (You'll have to stay with it and the feminine side of your audience will certainly enjoy it. I... read more
Raul Agraz - Between Brothers
by Travis Rogers, Jr., The Jazz Owl
Venezuelan trumpeter Raul Agraz has released his debut album as a leader. "Between Brothers" (OA2 Records OA2 22127) is a fantastic and dynamic treat that features some of the best of the best - the real brothers of the music.
Special guests include the legendary Paquito D'Rivera, Dave Samuels, Luis Perdomo, Luis Quintero and Dan Willis. The band also includes some of my very favorite artists like bassist Ruben Rodriguez, Ivan Renta on tenor... read more
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