Browse some recent OA2 Reviews.
Mark Buselli - Untold Stories
by Chris Spector, Midwest Record
The unique thing this trumpeter brings to the bandstand is that he sounds like he could have been a student of Miles but he isn�t trying to ape Miles. What a cool fine line to be able to tread. One of those cats with a day job as an educator that doesn�t let the classroom interfere with his ability to swing, this is a sweet, straight ahead listening date that knows you want to groove even if you are sitting down. Well played throughout, this... read more
Kristen Strom - Moving Day: The Music of John Shifflett
by Dave Rogers, WTJU
Kristen Strom (soprano, alto, tenor sax, flute, clarinet) offers a beautiful tribute to her late friend and musical colleague by showcasing seven of his compositions and closing with a song of special significance for him. Scott Sorkin (guitar) and Ken Okada (bass) were also members of the quartet, which is completed by Jason Lewis (drums, percussion, vibes). There are several other musicians who guested as well: Dahveed Behroozi and John R.... read more
Ben Markley - Tell the Truth
by Tom Haugen, Take Effect
The always impressive pianist and composer Ben Markley is joined by Steve Kovalcheck, Wil Swindler, Rodney Whitaker and Kyle Swan for these hard swinging tunes that pay tribute to the '60s Blue Note quintet sessions.
The energetic and playful title track leads, where Swindler's lively sax complements the frisky keys from Markley, and "Tuesday Morning Feeling" follows with Whitaker's skilled bass amid the dreamy piano and warm... read more
Gustavo Cortinas - Esse
by Hrayr Attarian, Chicago Jazz Magazine
Drummer Gustavo Cortiñas' Esse is an ambitious project where the Mexican-born, Chicago-based musician achieves remarkable success. His second album as a leader, Esse features his septet Snapshot. They interpret nine of his intricate compositions with vibrant spontaneity. Drawing inspiration from Western philosophical works, the music is simultaneously cerebral and maintains an emotive connection, hence remaining accessible.
On the poetic... read more
Gustavo Cortinas - Esse
by Hobart Taylor, KUCI - Irvine, CA
Debut recording for this drummer and composer originally from Mexico. Here he is working with some of Chicago's finest, the wonderful Kitt Lyles on bass, Hans Luchs, guitar, Joaquin Garcia, piano, Justin Copeland, trumpet, Adam Thornburg, trombone, and tenor sax work from Roy McGrath or Artie Black. I mention the entire cast of characters because this is ensemble work at the highest level. The compositions are thoughtful, engaging, and... read more
Carrie Wicks - Maybe
by Rotcod Zzaj, Improvijazzation
It's amazing (to me, anyway) that there are so many splendid artists so near to me (Carrie is based in Seattle, only a few miles from my abode)... her vocal work on this October 2015 release is full of life and the joy of living it! After listening to her sweet & loose vocal on the haunting "Desolation Moon", it's clear that I need to carve some time out of my busy (retirement, lol) schedule & get on up North to hear her live, & maybe do a live... read more
Jeff Jenkins Organization - The Arrival
by Chris Spector, Midwest Record
Long time Houston Person piano man fools the boss by showing off what he can do on B3 surprising the bandleader with his chops. If Person is impressed, that says it all for me, but listening to the playing says even more. A classic jazz organ date, Jenkins plays without restraint but with lots of focus at the same time. A must have for jazz organ fans, this is solid stuff that smokes throughout. Well... read more
Svetlana and the Delancey Five - Night at the Speakeasy
by Michael Steinman, Jazz Lives
SVETLANA and the DELANCEY FIVE MAKE "SOCIAL MUSIC" I wrote about the singer Svetlana Shmulyian and her band, the Delancey Five, more than two years ago here, and I am happy to report their first full-scale CD, NIGHT AT THE SPEAKEASY, is more than pleasing. I found it an engaging session, balancing more contemporary originals and lively versions of venerable jazz and pop classics. In his notes to the CD, Will Friedwald points out that... read more
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