Browse some recent OA2 Reviews.
Charlie Porter - Hindsight
by Paul Rauch, All About Jazz
4-STARS Portland based trumpeter/composer Charlie Porter is back, and following the trend industry wide over the past year, has released a finely crafted collection of pieces attached to a social narrative. Hindsight examines how we act in hindsight dealing with the long term societal struggles of racism, corruption and inequality. While two of the pieces feature the lyrics of Majid Khaliq and Madelaina Piazza, Porter has managed to... read more
Wil Swindler - Universe B
by Adam Greenberg, All Music Guide
Wil Swindler, fresh off of a Gil Evans Fellowship endorsement, began putting together new pieces for his Elevenet in 2008. The key to the ensemble is the mix of fresh (and classic jazz-inspired) compositions with an interesting set of instruments. Rather than only using the standard horns, guitars, and such, Swindler invokes less common jazz sounds (indeed, many of those used by Gil Evans in his ensembles): French horn, bass clarinet, flute.... read more
Darden Purcell - Love's Got Me in a Lazy Mood
by C Michael Bailey, Wild Mercury Rhythm
Darden Purcell is the Director of Jazz Studies, Jazz Voice instructor, and director of the Mason Jazz Vocal Ensemble at George Mason University. As such, she is an in-demand jazz educator who has been a guest artist/clinician/conductor at Capital University, Illinois Wesleyan University, Texas Tech, Virginia Tech, Southern Nazarene University, Tiffin University, Indiana State School Music Association, Virginia Music Educators Association (VMEA),... read more
Nathan Eklund - Crafty Christmas
by Rob Young, Urban Flux
As we approach the upcoming Christmas Season holiday music is beginning to emerge impeccably with expected side effects of cheer that fills the air with a fragrance draped in the spirit of love, peace and hope. Maybe it�s by happenstance regardless of our condition for our pleasure these sounds arrive with the sole purpose of inspiring us at this time of year. In this case, trumpeter, composer, flugelhorn and producer Nathan Eklund is one of... read more
Gail Pettis - Here in the Moment
by Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
Gail Pettis only started performing professionally as a jazz vocalist a few years before she made her first CD, as she had a full-time career as an orthodontist. Yet because Pettis had been singing since childhood in addition to playing French horn as a youth, she was no newcomer to performing. Gifted with an expressive alto voice, her embellishments to the familiar songs she performs show the skill of someone who is likely a natural, as she... read more
Mike Steinel Quintet - Song and Dance
by George W Harris, Jazz Weekly
Mike Steinel mixes his trumpet and flugelhorn in a velvety way as he blends it with Rosana Eckert's vocals in both wordless and lyric form. The remaining team of Pat Coil/B3-p, Carl Hillman/b and Steve Barnes/dr show flexibility and rich pulses throughout, particularly with Coil at the Hammond. With the Leslies, voic e and horn prance over the lovely "Haitian Banana Run" and the soulful "Basement Waltz #12."
With everyone on the acoustic... read more
Jim Olsen - We See Stars
by George Fendel, Oregon Jazz Scene
Ok, I admit it. Any time I see the name Bobby Shew attached to a recording, my curiosity is aroused. And Shew�s lyrical trumpet and flugelhorn are featured here among other prime time soloists. Composer-flutist Jim Olsen has composed from a varied pallette, including classic swinging material, ballad delicacies, �out there� journeys, and even some electronic meanderings. In addition to Shew�s stunning trumpet and flugelhorn solos, veteran... read more
Francesco Crosara - Circular Motion
by Thierry De Clemensat, Paris Move
If you love the piano, you're in for a treat! Indeed, according to DownBeat, 'An Italian-born pianist, Crosara is well-versed in the tradition of bop, and his delicate flow could suggest a debt to Bill Evans.' For Jazz Times, '... precious insights into his fertile imagination and harmonic boldness.' And for Bayou Blue Radio, an exceptional album in which pianist Francesco Crosara rises to the Top Ten of jazz composers who deserve to be... read more
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