Browse some recent OA2 Reviews.
Carrie Wicks - I'll Get Around to It
by George Fendel, Jazz Society of Oregon
A new voice out of Seattle, Carrie Wicks' debut CD scores from several standpoints. Wicks doesn't go for the gusto, and that's a good thing in a jazz singer. In addition, she's chosen quality tunes that include "Everything I've Got," "Ill Wind," "Comes Love," ?"I'm Lost" and "I'm Old Fashioned," among others. She works effortlessly with Seattle vets Bill Anschell, piano, Jeff Johnson, bass, Bryon Vannoy, drums, and the Joe Henderson-ish Hans... read more
Dean Schmidt - I Know Nothing
by Paul Pelon IV, Audiophile Audition
And the award for the hippest song title of the year goes to? Dean Schmidt for Harry Whodeanie's Magic Impromptu Blues! An instant favorite of mine for 2007, Dean Schmidt's I Know Nothing, resembles solo efforts by Trey Anastasio and Herbie Hancock, yet takes on a bright feel of its own.
Written years ago and after collecting dust in his closet, Dean decided to release the 13 tracks heard here. Produced by Gary Gibson and influenced by too... read more
New Standard Jazz Orchestra - Waltz About Nothing
by Hrayr Attarian, Chicago Jazz Magazine
The creative, 16-piece New Standard Jazz Orchestra (NSJO) is a cohesive ensemble made up of some of the most brilliant musicians in Chicago. Under the co-direction of trombonist Andy Baker and saxophonist Ken Partyka, there is a sophisticated style and a cinematic sound, both of which are well represented on the debut release, Waltz About Nothing.
Altoist Chris Madsen's "Spring and Fall" has a feel of a film soundtrack. Horns and woodwinds... read more
Christian Eckert / Gary Versace / Matt Jorgensen - NY3
by Staff, Archtop Germany
Another very well done chapter of the guitar-organ-drums instrumentation.
The trio managed to walk the tightrope between modern play and traditional sound. The CD impresses with varied pieces and tempi. Eckert's playing is wonderfully melodic and very creative. He dispenses with gimmicks in favor of strong lines. One always has the impression that he is looking for and finding new lines. The feel of the game is always a bit "laid back". Very... read more
Ben Neuman - Introductions
by Dean Christesen, Richmond Jazz
Neuman slips a waltz arrangement of "Blame It On My Youth" into his debut record, but there's really nothing to blame on his young age. For a 21-year-old, Neuman comes off as an extremely mature player. The risks he takes are exciting both on paper and on the keys, and with time he'll learn to push the boundaries of this music even more. The record takes off briskly with Coltrane's "26-2," and right away, there is something different about... read more
Liam Sillery - Priorite
by Larry Hollis, Cadence
Perhaps it was all those Saturday morning serials I religiously watched as a kid but I've always been a sucker for series. Back in those more innocent days, three of my favorite words were "to be continued." Maybe this carried over into my music collection as the acquisition of Shelly Manne & His Men at the Blackhawk of Lester Young in Washington D.C. up to the recent thirty volume Steeplechase Jam Sessions attest. Trumpeter Liam Sillery's... read more
Michael Webster - Momentus
by John Barron, The Jazz Word
Michael Webster succeeds at creating vivid imagery through the development of candid themes and unambiguous grooves. There's much more to this New York-based tenor saxophonist than the predictable collage of instrumentalist who also writes tunes. Composition seems to be the impetus for Webster's musical output.
Momentus, his second release as a leader, is an alluring collection of accessibility, band cohesiveness, the occasional... read more
Ben Winkelman - Heartbeat
by Editor, Australia Broadcasting
Enjoy an import from New York City by Australian expatriate Ben Winkelman. Originally from the States, Winkelman grew up in Melbourne, and in 2010 he returned to America to pursue a career as a jazz pianist.
The pandemic has had lasting effects worldwide, but in particular for New Yorkers in 2020 and 2021, it was a particularly trying time. Many artists from this all-important city have reflected their experiences of the lockdowns in their... read more
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