Browse some recent OA2 Reviews.
Ben Winkelman Trio - Balance
by Dee Dee McNeil, Musical Memoirs
Pianist/composer, Ben Winkelman was born in Eugene, Oregon, but grew up in Melbourne, Australia. He's been living and working in New York City since 2010. This is his fifth album release and his goal is to find balance between composition and improvisation; planning and spontaneity. His music is wrapped in the originality of his compositions as he and his trio strive for balance between the intellectual and the intuitive. I am drawn into his... read more
Idit Shner - Tuesday's Blues
by Ric Bang, The Davis Enterprise
The tone that Shner gets on her alto sax is quite different from other jazz artists; she usues almost no vibrato, probably a result of her extensive experience with classical orchestras. Her technique is flawless at any tempo, and her back-up group - Stefan Karlsson (piano), Mike League (bass) and Steve Pruitt (drums) - is great.
But the combination of the relatively complex melodies and arrangements, and the almost too precise execution by... read more
New Standard Jazz Orchestra - Waltz About Nothing
by Robert D. Rusch, Cadence
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
Jay Lawrence - Thermal Strut
by Ric Bang, The Davis Enterprise
From the opening eight bars of the title tune, you know this will be an excellent release.
Although the individual musicians in this trio aren't well known to the listening public, they are key members of the musical fraternity. And, as is becoming the norm today, all are college graduates and teachers.
Jay Lawrence, the drummer and leader, has recorded more than 90 albums with the luminaries of music: You name the individuals or... read more
Zach Rich - Solidarity
by George W Harris, Jazz Weekly
*Ringer of the Week* Yes, there are tones of "jazz and strings" albums out there, but this one by trombonist Zach Rich is vastly different. First, it's not just a musician blowing around the strings, but the quartet of Anton Smirnov/vi, Rachel England/vi, Mathew Diekman/va and Erin Patterson/cel is an organic part of the rest of the band, consisting of Denin Slage-Koch/g, Gavin Dunn/p, Garbriel Mangion/dr and Seth Lewis-Gonzalo Teppa/b... read more
Steve Williams & Jazz Nation - Jazz Nation
by George Kanzler, The New York City Jazz Record
Clarinetist/tenor saxophonist Eddie Daniels is represented at both ends of the ensemble spectrum on these CDs: in duo with pianist Roger Kellaway on Duke at the Roadhouse and as a guest with the big band Jazz Nation led by Steve Williams, a role recalling Daniels' tenure in the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra.
Duke at the Roadhouse is an adventurous chamber jazz recital recorded at the Lensic Theater in Santa Fe. Eight... read more
Ben Winkelman Trio - Balance
by George W. Harris, Jazz Weekly
The title of this album fits well, as pianist Ben Winkelman creates a symbiotic balance between interplay and soloing with bassist Matt Penman and drummer Obed Calvaire on this ten song collection of originals plus a cover. Of the latter, Thelonious Monk's "Bye-Ya" is a crisp and spacious rendition, while the rest of the pieces reflect good listening and lyricism. The time joyfully changes pulses and "BX12 Part One" with Winkelman giving ten... read more
Budman / Levy Orchestra - From There To Here
by George Fendel, Jazz Society of Oregon
This Los Angeles Jazz Orchestra has helped showcase the area's younger jazz musicians since its formation in 2007. On this recording, the BLO presents nine compositions by co-leader, arranger and trombonist Jeremy Levy, and two additional pieces. There is compelling writing and musicianship here, and it will be interesting to follow the progress of this sound and solid ensemble. A note of interest is the presence of the always invigorating... read more
Looking for a specific review?
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.
Search Reviews:
Recently Added Reviews:
Jun Iida - Evergreen
by Editor, Bman's Blues Report
Zach Rich - Solidarity
by Jack Bowers, All About Jazz
Paul Tynan & Aaron Lington - Bicoastal Collective: Chapter Five
by George Harris, Jazz Weekly
Paul Tynan & Aaron Lington - Bicoastal Collective: Chapter Five
by j. poet, DownBeat Magazine
Francesco Crosara - Circular Motion
by David Witter, Fra Noi Magazine
Francesco Crosara - Circular Motion
by Jan van Leersum, RootsTime.BE (Belgium)
Francesco Crosara - Circular Motion
by Matt Micucci, JAZZIZ
Ben Winkelman - Heartbeat
by Tom Haugen, Take Effect
Darden Purcell - Love's Got Me in a Lazy Mood
by Tom Haugen, Take Effect
Charlie Apicella & Iron City meet The Griots Speak - Destiny Calling
by Marco Cangiano, The New York City Jazz Record