Browse some recent OA2 Reviews.
Mai-Liis - Kaleidoscope
by C. Michael Bailey, Wild Mercury Rhythm
By the time Canadian vocalist/composer Mai-Liis (my LEASE) recorded her debut recording Mai-Liis On Life (OA2 Records, 2021), it had taken her 30 years to become an overnight sensation—and she may be skeptical of that. Refreshing is the fact that there is not one jazz standard on either her debut or its follow-up, Kaleidoscope. That fact alone places Mai-Liis in a class by herself. As a songwriter, critics have compared her to Joni Mitchell,... read more
George Cotsirilos - In the Wee Hours
by George W. Harris, Jazz Weekly
Tender strings are touched by Bay Area guitarist George Cotsirilos, going solo with nylons on this gorgeous and intimate mix of standards and originals. From his own pen, "A Nameless Poet" oozes with gentle fragrances, and "Providence" looms with luminescence. He gives a classy take to Duke Ellington's "Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me" while "Come Sunday" is as reverent as a church candle. There's a tensile tension on his read of "This Is All I... read more
Nelda Swiggett - This Time
by C. Michael Bailey, All About Jazz
Comparisons with Thelonious Monk and McCoy Tyner notwithstanding, Seattle- native Nelda Swiggett summons the influence of a piano talent closer to home, that of the late Gene Harris. Both pianists' styles are characterized by a bright palette, a sinewy execution and a powerful, assertive command. Swiggett's atonal tendencies echo Monk and her percussive nature, Tyner. Taken as a whole, the sound is all Swiggett's: refined and confident, open... read more
AJ Kluth Quintet - Twice Now
by Dean Christesen, Richmond Jazz
A polished saxophone tone over gritty distorted guitar and heavily metered grooves is the formula, if there is one, for Chris Potter's Underground. Saxophonist AJ Kluth's newest release shows, at times, many similarities to his elder in jazz. At Kluth's age, it's difficult to escape the influence of Potter, one of today's main tenor saxophone heroes. But at 29 years old, he has assembled a formidable ensemble capable of both being inspired by... read more
Paul Tynan & Aaron Lington - Bicoastal Collective: Chapter One
by Adam Greenberg, All Music Guide
Originally hailing from San Francisco and Nova Scotia, the co-leaders of the newly-minted Bicoastal Collective (Paul Tynan and Aaron Lington) met in Texas and later formed a band with college acquaintances, also hailing from throughout North America. After an introductory (and outstanding) jazz waltz that sounds like a small big band is at work, the collective moves into a long series of pieces showcasing elements of sound throughout trumpeter... read more
Randy Napoleon - Puppets - The Music of Gregg Hill
by Sylvannia Garutch, The Jazz Word
Randy Napoleon has returned with a collective effort that is diverse and conveyed with an outstanding ensemble of talented, like-minded performers. The album centers around the music of composer Gregg Hill and is implemented by guitarist Randy Napoleon, vocalist Aubrey Johnson, and a stellar all-star jazz ensemble of Rodney Whitaker on bass, Quincy Davis on drums, and Rick Roe on piano. Special guest include Seth Edbersole on bass clarinet... read more
Afro Bop Alliance - Una Más
by Adam Greenberg, All Music
Una M�s is an outstanding set of Latin jazz from the D.C. area's finest Latin big band. The band makes use of surprisingly complex arrangements of largely new compositions, both Latin pieces transformed into somewhat jazzier arrangements (as in the opening "Golpe de Cumaco") and jazz pieces given a Latin flavor (as in main arranger Vince Norman's "El Oto�o"). Rounded out with a few Latinized classic pieces from the likes of Cal Tjader and Benny... read more
The Taylor / Fidyk Big Band - Live At Blues Alley
by Edward Blanco, EJazzNews
Celebrating the 40th anniversary of the world famous Blues Alley jazz club in Washington, DC, The Taylor/Fidyk Big Band proceeded to blow the house down in one swinging performance captured on tape for their second recording and follow up to their 2002 debut, "A Perfect Match."
Composer/arranger Mark Taylor and drummer Steve Fidyk anchor an eighteen-piece big band comprised of some of the best musicians from the DC area, all veterans from... read more
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