The Taylor/Fidyk Big Band's second CD, taken from a performance at Blues Alley, captures the band on a peak evening, fueled by Mark Taylor's potent arrangements and instrumentalists who can build upon his charts without needless showboating. Taylor's originals include "Full Count" (which is a modern update on the old-fashioned tenor battle), the cool "Bradley's Bop House" and "The Gorillaman Blues," and the swinging "Full Count," which one could... read more
A new work by Francesco Crosara, an Italian pianist currently based in Seattle. In addition to his original songs written and collected over the years, the album includes 10 songs, including re-recordings of past works themed around Mount Kurama in Kyoto ("Kurama") and Brazil ("Sarava"). Crosara has succeeded in expanding his range of expression with three different trio formats, using both acoustic piano and synthesizer. The spacey world of... read more
TOP ALBUMS OF 2023 With four critically acclaimed albums behind her, elegant chanteuse Libby York made sure her fifth would be equally memorable. In her liner notes, Ms. York says the oft-covered Johnny Mercer-Harold Arlen beauty, "Hit the Road to Dreamland" (written by Mercer and Arlen for the 1942 musical film Star Spangled Rhythm and first recorded by Mercer and the Mellowaires accompanied by the Freddie Slack Orchestra for what... read more
Singer Libby York's fifth album, and first after her 2014 release "Memoir", is an intimate and intensive affair, with just guitar and bass (and drums on four tracks) spread over 12 songs. And it suits her really well since her poignant and lithe vibrato shines throughout the set, starting with an elegant and gently swinging "Hit The Road To Dreamland". Guitarist Randy Napoleon, who has worked for Freddy Cole for more than a dozen years, and... read more
A right on set of modern piano jazz is on tap here by this German born cat and his New York pals. Playing with the kind of effortlessness that makes everyone think that he can do it just as easily and just as well, it�s the sign of a real master when he leaves them in his dust and doesn�t make a big deal out of it. You can bet Hoefner would leave a big cloud and a lot of silence in his wake. Tasty, dazzling stuff that hits all the right... read more
* * * *1/2 stars!
Humor and camaraderie characterize the thoroughly enjoyable debut from this communal big band with an ongoing Sunday residency at a stylish and comfortable subterranean venue in San Francisco's North Beach neighborhood.
Led by trumpeter Erik Jekabson, the ESO is an impressively democratic group. On the album, 15 0f the 23 members have solos, and five contribute original compositions. Cheap Rent opens with a... 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
The bio of multi-talented emerging jazz trumpeter Jun Iida reads a bit like a freewheeling cultural and geographic travelogue, with a foundation of classical and music from his Japanese heritage and location shifts throughout his life from his hometown of St. Louis to Pittsburgh, Seattle, Cleveland, Los Angeles and now NYC.
Perhaps one of his most creatively fruitful eras was the years he lived in LA, where he pursued his jazz ambitions... 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.
Charlie Apicella & Iron City meet The Griots Speak - Call to Action / Call to Prayer
by George W Harris, Jazz Weekly
Jason Keiser - Kind of Kenny
by Thierry De Clemensat, Paris-Move
Andy Wheelock - WHEE3Trio: In the Wheelhouse
by Thierry De Clemensat, Paris-Move
Angela Verbrugge - Somewhere
by Marek Romański, Jazz Forum
Mai-Liis - Kaleidoscope
by C. Michael Bailey, Wild Mercury Rhythm
Mai-Liis - Kaleidoscope
by George W Harris, Jazz Weekly
Francesco Crosara - Circular Motion
by Tom Haugen, Take Effect
Francesco Crosara - Circular Motion
by Scott Yanow, LA Jazz Scene
Live Edge Trio with Steve Nelson - Closing Time
by Scott Yanow, The New York City Jazz Record
Francesco Crosara - Circular Motion
by Abe Beeson, KNKX (Seattle)