Browse some recent OA2 Reviews.
Ben Markley Big Band With Ari Hoenig - Ari's Funhouse
by Michael van Gee, Jazz'N'More (Switzerland)
5-STARS The music on this album is captivating from the first to the last note and demonstrates not only Ben Markley's arranging skills, but above all the class of the composer and drummer Ari Hoenig. In his earlier quartet recordings with Greg Osby ("Basic Economy") or Joel Frahm ("Slow Play") and his excellent big band recording with Terell Stafford ("Clockwise"), which was dedicated to the compositions of the pianist Cedar Walton, Ben... read more
Joan Hickey - Between The Lines
by Dan McClenaghan, All About Jazz
Chicago-based pianist Joan Hickey and her quintet sound as if they're trying to sneak up on you with some warbling horn work over a steady bass line as the opening Hickey original, "Herbris," spins to life. Then they find the groove that leads into a light-stepping piano solo; and over the course of eight-plus minutes they keep a mainstream feeling without resorting to the formulaic, later catching fire with saxophonist John Wojciechowski's hot... 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
Wil Swindler - Space Bugs
by Tom Haugen, Take Effect
The composer and saxophonist Wil Swindler aligns himself with the Denver based outfit Elevenet for these 8 distinct jazz tunes that are full of unique, harmonic language.
"Space Bug" starts the listen with Dru Heller's frisky drums and the textured brass that makes for a lively and meticulous climate, and "The Real Me" follows with graceful musicianship thanks to Ben Markley's piano and Matt Smiley's infectious bass in the introspective and... read more
Electric Squeezebox Orchestra - Cheap Rent
by Chris Spector, Midwest Record
Damn that economy of scale. It took a Kickstarter campaign to get this record into existence. How are they going to afford to leave their confines of Frisco and go on the road when there's a jillion players in this big band and all of them are required to add their own special sauce? Listeners in North Beach don't know how good they have it that they can just saunter down to the local watering hole once a week and revel in this contemporary... 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
Charlie Porter - Immigration Nation
by George W Harris, Jazz Weekly
Trumpeter Charlie Porter gives a twelve song tribute to the dreams and journeys of immigrants with a band that sounds like they've imbibed from the waters of Horace Silver. Together with Nick Biello/ts, Oscar Perez/p, David Wong/b and Kenneth Salters/dr, Porter gives vintage hard bop sounds and harmonies on the sleek "Divergent Paths" and the Senor Blues-pulsed "Contradictions Within." Vocalist Sabine Kabongo adds thoughtful insights to... read more
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
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