Browse some recent OA2 Reviews.
Lynn Baker Quartet - Azure Intention
by James Nadal, All About Jazz
From the opening bass lines of "Color Line" on Azure Intention, it is evident that saxophonist Lynn Baker's Quartet comes out swinging and grooving. But there is also a captivating sense of sophistication, thoughtfully played into the selections.
Baker -- ?who doubles deftly on both soprano and tenor saxophones -- composed all of Azure Intention's eight tracks, each performed with enough time and space as to allow the musicians... read more
Debbie Poryes | Bruce Williamson - Two and Fro
by George Fendel, Jazz Society of Oregon
Any duo worth it's salt can bring to the table a sort of intimacy one doesn't always find in other musical settings. Poryes and Williamson have a lot going for themselves in this heartwarming performance. Williamson plays nearly everything with a reed, and Poryes is equally skilled as accompanist as she is soloist. Each contributes an original tune to the set, and the musical menu is quite varied, ranging from Wayne Shorter's "Speak No Evil" to... read more
Idit Shner & Mhondoro - Heat Wave
by Chris Spector, Midwest Record
Growing out of jam sessions that happened because Eugene, Oregon has a small jazz scene and key players could hear each other over back yard fences, the result is a modern take on classic Oregon world jazz from 50 years ago. More in touch with these times than Oregon's original hippie sensibility, all that really matters is that there's some wild sax moves at the core of it and a good time is really had by all. A great dose of swing for... 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
Electric Squeezebox Orchestra - The Falling Dream
by Dave Rogers, WTJU - Richmond
The Electric Squeezebox Orchestra is a 17 piece big band based in the Bay Area that plays music composed and arranged by its members. Led by trumpeter Erik Jekabson, the band will begin a new residency every Sunday night at the California Jazz Conservatory in Berkeley in March of 2018. The E.S.O. currently consists of Erik, Henry Hung, Darren Johnston, Doug Morton and Erik Andrews on trumpets, Rob Ewing, Danny Lubin-Laden, Patrick Malabuyo and... read more
Andy Wheelock - WHEE3Trio: In the Wheelhouse
by Mark Griffith, Modern Drummer
Drummer Andy Wheelock is a welcome mainstay to the Colorado jazz drumming scene, and this recording proves that he belongs at the top of the heap of drummers making their way on the scene. This is wonderful sounding and supple piano trio that can go in any musical direction. Whether it's swinging, funky, elastic, or driving, they sound great. Wheelock and bassist Gonzalo Teppa work together like a hand in a glove. The addition of guitarist Gilad... read more
Daria - Strawberry Fields Forever
by Lance Liddle, BeBop Spoken Here (UK)
Am I the only person who prefers many of the Beatles' songs when they're performed by someone else? I gave Kenny Ball's version of When I'm 64 the nod over the original and I like Daria's version even more than that although the gender reversal implied by the lyric does feel strange to an old chauvinist like me!
When I get older losing my hair, or You can knit a sweater sitting by the fire or Doing the garden, digging the weeds etc... I... read more
Charlie Porter - Hindsight
by Alex Dutilh, Radio France
Né pendant les bouleversements de 2020, "Hindsight" du trompettiste et compositeur Charlie Porter para"t chez OA2. Il reflète le tumulte, l'incertitude et les émotions de l'époque.
"L'un des compositeurs contemporains les plus brillants et imaginatifs dans le jazz mainstream ; une musique originale stimulante et émotive avec un rare mélange de sophistication et de spontanéité organique." - Chicago Jazz Magazine
Pas... read more
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