A nice sophomore set from Philadelphia area saxman Tom Tallitsch, Medicine Man casually grooves its way through a series of original compositions while making full use of the accompanying band. Indeed, Tallitsch is heard less than one might expect on an album that he leads. Not that he's absent in any way from the proceedings, but this is definitely an ensemble album, not a solo project. The opening title track starts out the affair with a... read more
This is classic piano jazz trio work that falls so squarely in the pocket you're almost tempted to think this was a lost session from back in the day. With a set of all originals, the trio is right in step with each other turning in a set that's a tonic for weary ears. On the money throughout, if you don't like this, you just don't like piano trios. Nuff said.... read more
CONSIDER THE BLUES is a solid blues bop session recorded 9/5&6/15. The 11 tracks [61:56] are a mixture of 7 originals and standards but what got my attention was the opening track, track she appears on. Woodside is a new name to me, but judging from her brief appearance she seems "Another Man Done," sung by Tabreeca Woodside. This is the only impressive. Tardy is impressive, as expected, this session is well worth your... read more
Laura Welland has a direct and simple approach as a singer, sticking close to the melody and the lyrics while swinging lightly. The key to the success of this CD, her first effort as a vocalist (she also plays trumpet, piano, and bass though not here) is that Welland picked superior songs and lets the music speak for itself. Joined by a top-notch rhythm section (Bill Mays or on three occasions Larry Fuller on piano, bassist John Clayton, and... read more
This 17piece big band offers tight modern arrangements over 11 tracks [71:32]; with 6 originals from band members and 5 from outside the band like "Milestones," "Close To You" and "Star Crossed Lovers". While I don't find any identifiable footprint to the band sound (perhaps a slight touch of Kenton) what I do find, besides its tightness, is a fine use of soloists. After many listenings it was the trombone solos by Baker that continued to... read more
Every so often, Missouri-bred saxophonist Stephen Martin bears witness to his main man, the late John Coltrane. But, for the most part, he is his own man on his second album as a leader, blowing hot, cool and earnestly on the quartet date, High Plains. Martin's disposition is decidedly contemporary, as he shows whether playing alone or with his special guests, alto saxophonist Bobby Watson (on Benny Golson's "Stablemates") or tenor saxophonist... read more
Knowing that Call To Action/Call To Prayer is a companion to Destiny Calling — another album by Charlie Apicella, The Griots Speak, and Iron City, recorded during the same studio session in 2022 — sparks the notion of having missed out on something important. That said, it's certainly commonplace to enjoy an album out of order from an established series or without knowledge of an overarching concept and there are plenty of elements that make... read more
Hailing seemingly from times past in jazz, Paul West here takes on the older piano and vocal jazz repertoire, performing in a nice soft, lounge style. His tone is light and rather intimate, bringing out an atmosphere of the smallest clubs. As he strolls through the repertoire, highlights from an era past spring out piece by piece. The album opens up with a Fats Waller number, moving into some Van Heusen afterward. After a jaunt through a eulogy... 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.
Ben Markley Big Band - Tuesday Morning Feeling
by Thierry de Clemensat, Paris-Move
Steve Kovalcheck - Buckshot Blues
by Dee Dee McNeil, Making A Scene
Steve Kovalcheck - Buckshot Blues
by George W Harris, Jazz Weekly
Owen Chen & Eternal Wind - The Ghibli Collection
by George W Harris, Jazz Weekly
Kate Olson - So It Goes
by Editor, Modern Drummer
Steve Kovalcheck - Buckshot Blues
by Thierry De Clemensat, Paris Move
Owen Chen & Eternal Wind - The Ghibli Collection
by Thierry De Clemensat, Paris Move
Kate Olson - So It Goes
by Dave Segal, The Stranger
Randy Napoleon - Waking Dream
by Jack Bowers, All About Jazz
Premazzi / Nasser Quartet - From What I Recall
by Jason Gross, The New York City Jazz Record