ALEX BUDMAN AND THE CONTEMPORARY JAZZ ORCHESTRA is next on the agenda with something so nice and free, called INSTRUMENTS OF MASS PLEASURE, much like the Joe Henderson Big Band with arrangements that are so very original and progressive and West Coast. We played "Little Prayer" and "Mood For A Time." These are all west coast guys and they play so very well, Alex Budman, Leonard Thompson, Tod Dickow, etc. And the Leonard Thompson. Trio with... read more
Lingo (OA2), by drummer-percussionist Phil Parisot and his quartet, is the definition of a mainstream set. Alternating burners and ballads, Parisot's melodically attractive compositions are the real stars. "Collage," the opening track, provides a workout for tenor saxophonist Steve Treseler, who sketches the convoluted but mesmerizing melody line. Pianist Dan Kramlich, who adds Fender Rhodes on several works, and bassist Michael Glynn display... read more
Daria has reimagined Lennon/McCartney songs, giving them jazz twists and often utilizing bossa nova or Afro-Cuban rhythms. Approach the project with open minds and ears and the results will be rewarding. The tunes take on an entirely different feel. The vibrant, inventive vocalist gives "Can't Buy Me Love" a very cool sound. "The Fool On The Hill" is impeccably arranged. "Helter Skelter" really cooks. "She's Going Home" is a moving ballad, as is... read more
Chicago musician Shawn Maxwell (alto sax, clarinet, flute) has been recognized for his leadership with his quartet and his dectet. He now augments his group "New Tomorrow" with guest appearances by three of the Windy City's most respected trumpeters: Victor Garcia and Chad McCullough (trumpet, flugelhorn) and Corey Wilkes (trumpet) with each having two or more performances on this release. Other players are Matt Nelson (piano, rhodes), Patrick... read more
RINGER OF THE WEEK There aren't a lot of male vocalists who stray form the same old Great American Songbook, so a guy like Jeff Baker immediately grabs my attention, and should yours. He's got a low tenor-high baritone sound, and his style is like a troubadour, telling stories that feel personal and observant. You can't beat his ensemble here, as it includes Brian Blade/dr, Steve Wilson/as, Marquis Hill/tp, Darrell Grant/p, Clark... read more
Saxophonist Kristen Strom has been one of the mainstays of the Bay Area jazz scenes for nearly two decades, playing with leading bands and helming the Kristen Strom Quintet. In this new project, she interprets the compositions of a legendary local hero: bassist John Shifflett, who passed in 2017.
Strom has performed with many well-known artists, including Manhattan Transfer, Roberta Flack, Johnny Mathis, Jimmy Heath, Steve Turre and Kevin... read more
Pianist / composer / teacher Debbie Poryes offers her fourth release dedicated to jazz pianist Hank Jones. In fact, "Loving Hank" is one of six original compositions by Porves and it opens the disc. The remaining compositions include Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now", Charlie Parker's "Confirmation" and Cole Porter's "All Of You". All but one song is performed by Porves in a trio setting with Peter Barshay (bass) and David Rokeach (drums). Erik... read more
A cursory glance at the track listing for Secret Love may paint it as another simple celebration of standards, but that's not the case. Singer Sara Leib takes the road less traveled by delivering ear-opening, metrically twisted, stylistically broad interpretations of oft-covered classics with a to-die-for cast of cutting-edge collaborators.
Leib, who holds degrees in music from the New England Conservatory and the University of... 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.
Darden Purcell - Love's Got Me in a Lazy Mood
by Illiam Sebitz, 5 Finger Review
Libby York - DreamLand
by C. Michael Bailey, Wild Mercury Rhythm
Live Edge Trio with Steve Nelson - Closing Time
by Tom Haugen, Take Effect
Paul Tynan & Aaron Lington - Bicoastal Collective: Chapter Six
by Ruud Jonker, FWD Magazine (Netherlands)
Angela Verbrugge - Somewhere
by Tom Haugen, Take Effect
Idit Shner & Mhondoro - Ngatibatanei / Let Us Unite!
by Tom Haugen, Take Effect
Anthony Stanco - Stanco's Time
by Michael van Gee, Jazz 'N' More (Switzerland)
Charlie Apicella & Iron City meet The Griots Speak - Call to Action / Call to Prayer
by Kira Grunenberg, DownBeat
Angela Verbrugge - Somewhere
by Katchie Cartwright, All About Jazz
Jason Keiser - Kind of Kenny
by Ferdinand Dupuis-Panther, Jazz'halo (Belgium