Browse some recent OA2 Reviews.
Stephen Martin - High Plains
by Jack Bowers, All About Jazz
Every so often, Missouri-bred saxophonist Stephen Martin bears witness to his main man, the late John Coltrane. But, for the most part, he is his own man on his second album as a leader, blowing hot, cool and earnestly on the quartet date, High Plains. Martin's disposition is decidedly contemporary, as he shows whether playing alone or with his special guests, alto saxophonist Bobby Watson (on Benny Golson's "Stablemates") or tenor saxophonist... read more
New Standard Jazz Orchestra - Waltz About Nothing
by Chris Spector, Midwest Review
Chicago's once thriving commercial music scene gave local jazzbos the stability to do whatever they wanted at night and not worry about putting food on the table. There was some great jazz going around in those days. This Chicago aggregation shows the commercials might be gone but the passion for stellar big band jazz remains. Never sounding corny or dated, this crew's second spin keeps it as fresh and bursting with vibes as the debut. High... read more
Daniel Barry - Walk All Ways
by John Henry, Audiophile Audition
Why does this CD title make me think of Mel Brooks? Unfortunately there's no notes on the jewel box about Daniel Barry and his fine arranging and conducting work with the Seattle Women's Jazz Orchestra, and there's nothing in the note booklet inside either. I suppose many seeing this album in the store would be quick to note the variety of instruments represented among the ten players, and that would give them an idea of the wonderful mix of... read more
Svetlana and the Delancey Five - Night at the Speakeasy
by Chris Spector, Midwest Review
Guy Eckstine might not be able to put his feet up on the desk at 825 8th anymore but he still has all the verve his daddy left on his DNA in tact. Surrounding a New York treat that convenes on Monday nights with a crew of players that would be household names if there was still a real record business investing jazz, this genre twisting trip to the '30s speak easy in the back of your mind is simply classic, jazzbo thrush all the way. A most... read more
Ben Markley Quartet - Slow Play
by Jack Bowers, All About Jazz
4-STARS The jacket cover on this splendid new studio recording from OA2 Records reads "Ben Markley Quartet Featuring Joel Frahm," and for good reason: the New York City-based saxophonist lends considerable improvisational weight to Slow Play, which would be a far different animal without him. That's not to say that pianist Markley, bassist Marty Kenney and drummer Jim White couldn't succeed or even prosper without him, only that Frahm's... read more
Dan Gailey Jazz Orchestra - What Did You Dream?
by Larry Hollis, Cadence Magazine
To distort and old song title: "How Can I Miss The Big Bands When They Won't Go Away?" Both of these large group releases have their roots in the college education systems of Kansas and Florida respectively. 'What Did You Dream?' is the product of Dan Gailey's mind; although he isn't heard playing on the disc, all six of the selections spring from his pen and he was physically in the studio in a "hands-on" capacity. As a Professor of Jazz... read more
Amy Stephens - My Many Moods
by Alain Londes, All About Jazz
Amy Stephens released her debut album in �98, yet My Many Moods offers a better sense of her piano talents. This is her first recorded statement following her move to Seattle, among other changes in her life. The overall feel is eclectic yet smooth.
One could imagine driving along the West Coast with the easygoing sound of the group dominated by the interplay of Stephens on piano and Tom Clark on tenor or soprano sax, supported by Jack... read more
Andy Wheelock - WHEE3Trio: In the Wheelhouse
by Thierry De Clemensat, Paris-Move
"A MUST / INDISPENSABLE!" We are happy to present the first album from our new partner, the jazz label Origin Records / OA2 Records, created by musicians and for musicians. We are even more excited as this Seattle-based jazz label is known for its quality and is full of exciting projects, one more captivating than the other. Andy Wheelock is a drummer, percussionist, composer, and educator. Wheelock is an active artist who regularly... read more
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